Powdered Metal Processes - Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
Register a free buyer account to submit an online Request For Quote for Metal Injection Moulding and receive your quotes online - fast.
Metal injection molding (MIM) is a relatively new manufacturing process for the large-scale net shape forming of high integrity, multi-functional metal parts. It combines the geometrical complexity possible from injection moulded plastic with the mechanical properties of high performance metallic alloys. MIM embraces the best practices of injection moulding and powder metallurgy, and because machining operations are reduced or eliminated, there are real associated economic advantages.
Metal injection molding (MIM) allows manufacturing highly detailed,
intricate parts that can weigh less than one gram. Proprietary
injection molding produces net-shaped components to reduce the number
of parts through design approaches that for example, combine machined
and stamped details. MIM can also eliminate laser welding and provide
consistent high volume production through high quality, multi-cavity
tooling and stringent process control.
Components can be produced in a wide range of metals - low alloy
steels, stainless steels, wear or heat resistant steels, and soft
magnetic irons - and can be subjected to secondary treatments. Medical device approved materials are also available.
Moulded parts exhibit all the geometric features of the finished article, apart from the fact that they have an enlarged volume. These enlarged ‘green’ bodies have sufficient rigidity for them to be handled by automated ‘pick-and-place’ equipment. In the subsequent debinding stage, the binder and plasticisers are mostly removed - the sintering operation that follows removes the last traces. During sintering, a linear shrinkage takes place affecting all dimensions of the MIM part. The parts are then ready to be assembled or to undergo secondary operations such as surface hardening or electroplating, according to their final specification.
Click here for a more detailed discussion of the Metal Injection Moulding Process.