Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Technology
Metal injection molding (MIM) is a high-volume manufacturing process that utilize powder metallurgy and plastic injection molding in combination to create components and products with complex geometries that are difficult to produce by traditional machining. It is especially useful for producing components and products with intricate shapes, cavities, and narrow tolerance details. MIM has been used since the 1970s and is continuing to grow in popularity due to its capability and cost-effectiveness as a manufacturing method.
The MIM process begins with powdered metal which is typically a blend of steel, titanium, bronze, iron, and nickel, or even more exotic and difficult to work with metals such as cobalt, and tantalum. Once the desired powder blend is chosen, it is pre-heated and then loaded into a hopper which is mechanically fed into the injection molding press. The heated powder is forced through the injection mold, where it is forced into the molds internal cavities under high pressure. As the powder is pressed into the molds, the particles fuse, producing a single-piece, fully-formed part.
Once the part is molded, it is then ejected from the molds and then tumbled in a vibratory finishing machine which removes any burrs and sharp edges that might have formed during the molding process. The tumbling process also creates a more polished and smooth finish on the part. Once the finishing process is complete, the MIM parts are ready to be shipped to customers.
MIM is capable of producing parts and components to complex geometries with tight dimensional tolerances. This means that parts and components that would be impossible or extremely expensive to produce by traditional subtractive machining processes can often be economically made by MIM. It is also capable of forming parts from a variety of metals, allowing a wide range of material choices for customers. MIM is also highly cost-effective when producing large volumes of parts, with costs often coming down with higher quantities of parts.
Overall, MIM is a versatile and cost-effective production process for a variety of industries including medical, automotive, consumer electronics, small appliances, and aerospace. Its versatility and capability makes it ideal for applications that require high-volume production of complex parts and components. It is well suited for a wide range of materials and is capable of producing highly detailed parts with minimal effort and waste, making it an attractive option for many applications.
