Metal injection molding (MIM) is a manufacturing process that combines the principles of plastic injection molding and powdered metallurgy to shape metals such as Stainless steel, Nickel Iron, Copper, Titanium, and more. This process allows designers to have greater freedom and flexibility in their design, resulting in more opportunities for innovation.
Here is a closer look at the steps involved in the MIM process:
- Mixing and granulating: The metal powder is mixed with a polymer binder to create a feedstock material.
- Molding: The feedstock material is injected into a mold to create the desired shape.
- Binder removal: The molded parts are then heated to remove the binder material, leaving behind the metal particles.
- Sintering: The parts are sintered, or heated to just below their melting point, to fuse the metal particles together and create a solid, finished product.
What is MIM?
MIM is an advanced and supplementary technology in metal parts manufacturing. Unlike traditional technology when producing small size, complex shapes metal components in large quantities, MIM advantages have been maximized, so many small and complex metal parts we used today have a great chance made by MIM.
1. Steady quality, high efficiency, and economical manufacture
of high-volume complex parts.
2. High utilization rate of raw materials. Material properties are equivalent to wrought alloys.
3. The direct manufacture of small size metal parts (up to 500 gm) with complicated geometric shapes.
4. High precision, one – time molding.
Materials For MIM
MIM Example Video
Metal Injection Molding:
A Newly Designed Guide
Explore our guide on Metal Injection Molding, an advanced manufacturing process revolutionizing the production of small, intricate components with unparalleled precision and cost-effectiveness. Discover the benefits, applications, and design insights in this brochure
