Vacuum Sintering Process in Metal Injection Molding for 17-4 PH Stainless Steel as Material for Orthodontic Bracket

Abstract

Malocclusion is one of the common problems encountered in the teeth and mouth of Indonesian people. This country is also confronted with problems that the bracket have to been imported from abroad. The purpose of this study is to produce national orthodontic bracket by metal injection molding (MIM) process in Indonesia, particularly by using vacuum sintering for 17-4 PH stainless steel because it is a material commonly used for orthodontic bracket. Sintering conducted at four different temperatures, at 1320 °C, 1340 °C, 1360 °C, and 1380 °C. The results showed that there are inclusions in sintering products. The relative density increases with increasing temperature sintering because the area of porosity are reduced. In addition, the results of sintering at 1360 °C has optimal hardness, which is amounted to 395 HV and higher than commercial bracket.