The processing of advanced materials such as refractory ceramics and metallic alloy powders has been investigated intensely over the past two decades. Ceramic injection moulding has therefore become a prime method for manufacturing complicated parts from a robust material. Typically, powder is dispersed within a thermoplastic carrier (or binder) before it is moulded at high temperatures and pressures. Further removal of the binder by thermal or solvent degradation methods yields a component that is suitable for sintering.
