Processing of complex near-net-shaped tungsten parts by PIM

In the framework of the EUROfusion materials development project, promising fabrication methods in view of large-scale production of complex parts such as Powder Injection Molding (PIM) are intensively investigated at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). With its near-net-shape precision the method offers particularly the advantage of cost-saving. Isotropic materials, equiaxed grain orientation, good thermal shock resistance, shape complexity and high final density are several typical properties of powder injection molded tungsten. Therefore, this technique is an ideal tool for scientific investigations and for developing industrial products. This contribution describes the characterization and analyses of prototype materials produced via PIM. The investigation of pure tungsten and oxide or carbide doped tungsten materials comprises the microstructure examination, element allocation, texture analyses, and mechanical testing. In addition, fabricated near-net-shape Langmuir probes for diagnostics for the French tokamak WEST will be presented.