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Metal Injection Molding

Metal injection molding (MIM) is a hybrid technology which integrates the shaping capability of plastic injection molding and materials flexibility of conventional powder metallurgy. MIM is preferred for mass manufacturing of small, intricate geometric components of a variety of materials as it can achieve 95% to 98% of its wrought materials properties at a much lower cost.

Technology

The initial step to MIM is material selection and preparation. Once the appropriate combinations of metal powder and plastic binders are blended and compounded, an injection moldable feedstock is produced.

Using an injection-molding machine, the parts produced are then subjected to a binder removal process. Depending upon the type of binder used, different methods of debinding are applied.

The parts, after debinding, then go through a sintering process to ensure the parts are of the right material composition, physical properties and correct geometry.

Success Stories

Process Overview

Advantages

Greater design freedom

With MIM, parts can be designed and manufactured with minimal design restrictions. In addition, almost all design changes are possible within the shortest development cycle and turnaround time.

 

Complex and intricate shaped parts

MIM is ideal for producing complex-shaped components as well as parts that require assembly or multiple steps to put together.

High production requirements

MIM is most beneficial in high volume production of small precision parts with complicated design geometry. The process lends itself to automation where high volumes and consistent quality are required.

 

Miniaturization

MIM technology is the best viable process for producing miniature parts economically.

MIM vs. Machining

The MIM Advantage:Conventional Machining:
Ideal for complex shapesDesign limitations
Highly automated processLabor intensive process
Lower CostCostly Process
No secondary operations requiredPossible secondary machining steps
Virtually no material wasteSignificant material waste
High production volumesLower production volumes
Molding from a single toolMuliple set-up operations required
Mold the part net shapeComplex shapes require multiple operations
Thin-wall sections possibleThin walls difficult to machine
Exterior & interior threads possibleDifficult to machine internal threads
Words & numbers can be molded into partsMachining words & numbers not viable

Applications

MIM technology has found increased applications in the commercial world – from home appliances to watches, automobiles to aerospace, and medical to orthodontics.

Materials

Due to the flexibility of MIM technology, it is possible to customize material compositions according to the specific attributes required by the customers. Some of the compositions are stainless steels, low alloy steels, carbon steels, Ni-alloys, tool steels and tungsten alloys.

Metals

MaterialsGradesDensity (g/cm3)Hardness (Hv 10)
Stainless Steel17-4PH7.6230
304L7.8120
316L7.85120
317L7.85150
430L7.55120
440C7.55550
Low Alloy Steels41407.4130
86207.4190
Carbon SteelsLow7.780
Medium7.6130
High7.4320
Fe-Ni AlloysFeNi 27.690
FeNi 87.7100
FeNi 508.05120
Cobalt AlloysKovar7.8150
49Co-2V7.8400
Tool SteelM28.05800 (HT)
Tungsten AlloyWHA18450