Metal injection molding (MIM) is a metalworking process in which finely-powdered metal is mixed with binder material to create a “feedstock” that is then shaped and solidified using injection molding. The molding process allows high volume, complex parts to be shaped in a single step.
What are the Different Types of Metal Injection Molding?
What are the Advantages of Metal Injection Molding?
- High-Volume of Parts. Quantities in the 1000s will be cost-effective.
- Complexity. Complex metal designs are feasible with metal injection molding when compared with, for instance, machining.
- Strong Material Characteristics. Parts material properties equivalent or superior to cast alloys.
What are the Limitations of Metal Injection Molding?
- Post-Processing Steps Required. Such as de-binding and sintering.
- Small Parts. The process is limited to small-sized metal parts.
- Expensive Tooling. Required for large production runs.
Key Metrics
Standard Tolerance
+/- .003″ (.080 mm)
Typical Surface Finish
~ 1.6um
Maximum Quantity
Per tooling quantity exceeds 10,000/year
Minimum Wall Thickness
~0.1″
Conclusion
Metal injection molding (MIM) is an emerging technology in the IM space gaining popularity due to its high-speed creation of metal parts, previously unavailable through standard IM avenues like plastic injection molding (PIM.) Consider submitting an RFQ through manufacturing services such as ProdEX to get started today.