What is Metal Injection Molding?
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a development of the traditional powder metallurgy (PM) and plastic injection molding process. MIM process is an advanced powder processing technique because of net shaping with shape complexity at low processing energy and 100 % material utilization.
The MIM Process
• Mixing Blend fine metal powders with proprietary ingredients to create viscous feedstock.
• Molding Form complex shapes using standard injection molding tools and equipment.
• Debinding Prepare molded components for high temperature sintering.
• Sintering Subject components to temperatures up to 1600°C to achieve up to 99% densification.
• Finishing Add standard engineering detail as needed (e.g., plate, heat treat, black oxide).
MIM Materials:
• Stainless Steels
304L, 316 L, 17-4 PH, 420, 440
• Low Alloy Steel
4605, 4105, 2200
• Titanium Alloys
Ti, Ti-6Al-4V
• Soft Magnetic Alloys
Fe-Si, Fe-Ni, Fe-Co
• Tungsten Alloys
95%W-Ni-Fe, 97%W-Ni-Fe
MIM Application:
Automotive Systems - Steering Columns (actuators, ignition lock components), Sun Roofs (stop cams), Seating Mechanisms, Solenoids, Fuel Injectors
Orthodontics Brackets, Buccal Tubes
Medical and Dental Instruments Endoscopic Surgical Instruments
Firearm Components Triggers, Sights, Safeties, Seer Blocks
Ordnance Guidance Fins
Hardware and Lock Parts Lock Cylinders, Bolts, and Sidebars
Computers and Electronics Disk Drive Components
Electrical Connectors, Switches
MIM Advantage:
The metal injection molding (MIM) process offers the following advantages:
Cost-effective manufacture of high volume complex parts
Reduced production time compared with investment casting
Net-shape manufacture with minimal material waste (runners, sprues recycable in-house): more significant as materials costs rise
Mechanical properties superior to castings and other PM parts reflecting fine particle size and high sintered density
Properties equivalent to wrought alloys
Wide range of pre-alloys and master alloys available
Minimum of finishing operations
Why FineMIM?
• Industry leader in engineering unique components for production.
• Fast development of alloys & new materials.
• Rapid and economical prototype development system.
• Continuous sintering suited for high volume production.
• Renowned metallurgical experts.
• Flexible processing addresses large and small parts.
• Resources available for the largest production requirements.
FineMIM® (A division of Jiangsu Tech Group) is a leading supplier of Metal Injection Molding (MIM) in China. To learn more about metal injection molding in China, please contact us freely.
