Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
Net-shape manufacturing for complex metal components — combining the design freedom of plastic injection molding with the mechanical properties of wrought metals.
Process Overview
- Feedstock Preparation: Fine metal powder (≤20μm) blended with thermoplastic binder to create homogeneous granulated feedstock.
- Injection Molding: Feedstock injected into precision steel molds under high pressure. Green parts produced with complex geometries impossible via machining.
- Debinding: Binder removed via catalytic or thermal processes, creating brown parts ready for sintering.
- Sintering: Parts fired at near-melting temperature in controlled atmosphere furnace, achieving 95–99% theoretical density.
- Secondary Operations: CNC machining, heat treatment, surface finishing, coating — as required.
Capabilities
- Part weight: 0.5g – 200g (optimal range: 5–50g)
- Tolerance: ±0.03mm to ±0.05mm (±0.3% typical)
- Wall thickness: minimum 0.6mm
- Annual capacity: 500 million+ parts
- Materials: 316L / 17-4PH / 420 stainless steel, low-alloy steel, tungsten heavy alloy, soft magnetic alloy, titanium
Advantages
- Complex geometries — undercuts, threads, cross-holes, internal features molded in one step
- Material efficiency — minimal waste compared to CNC machining (95%+ material utilization)
- High volume — cost-effective at quantities above 10,000 pieces/year
- Consistent quality — automated process with statistical process control
- Surface finish — Ra 1.6μm as-molded, improved with secondary operations
Request MIM Quotation
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