Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a manufacturing process that combines the precision of plastic injection molding with the strength of powder metallurgy to produce complex, high-precision metal parts. It is particularly suited for small to medium-sized components, typically weighing less than 100 grams, such as gears, medical instruments, firearms components, and electronic connectors.

How the MIM Process Works

The process involves several key steps:

1.Feedstock Preparation: Fine metal powders (usually 5–20 microns in size) are mixed with a binder material, often a polymer or wax, to form a viscous feedstock that behaves like plastic during molding.

2.Injection Molding: The feedstock is heated and injected into a precision mold under high pressure, creating a "green" part that retains its shape due to the binder.

3.Debinding: The binder is removed through thermal, chemical, or solvent processes, leaving a fragile "brown" part made of metal powder.

4.Sintering: The brown part is heated in a controlled furnace to near its melting point (typically 1,200–1,400°C), causing the metal particles to bond and densify, resulting in a final part with 95–99% of the original metal's density and properties close to wrought metal.

5.Optional Finishing: Secondary operations like heat treatment, machining, or surface coating may be applied for enhanced performance.

This hybrid approach allows for intricate geometries, tight tolerances (as fine as ±0.3% dimensional accuracy), and the use of materials like stainless steel, titanium, and superalloys that would be challenging or costly with traditional machining.

MIM is widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, medical devices, consumer electronics, and defense due to its ability to deliver durable, corrosion-resistant parts at scale.