Among engineers, MIM is commonly referred to as the offspring from a marriage between injection molding and powder metallurgy. MIM has taken the best characteristics from both manufacturing processes.
From its mother (plastic injection molding,) MIM inherited design flexibility.
Most shapes that can be achieved using plastic injection molding can also be achieved with MIM. Highly complex geometries do not present a problem. Other manufacturing processes make features such as undercuts, cross drilled holes, bores, and blind holes difficult and timely to create. These features are very easy with MIM.
From its father (powder metallurgy,) MIM inherited material flexibility.
MIM allows parts to reach densities of between 96% and 100% of theoretical material density, creating outstanding physical parts. MIM surpasses its dad in terms of strength, magnetic properties and resistance to corrosion. And many kinds of alloys can be used with metal injection molding machines including low alloy steels, stainless steels, high-speed steels, irons, cobalt alloys, copper alloys, nickel alloys, tungsten alloys, and titanium alloys.
As MIM developed and grew, it began outpace its parents with its own unique characteristics:
Of course, MIM does have its flaws. It is not practical for simple parts, when it may be more cost effective to use traditional manufacturing processes. It is also not practical for low volumes, because of the high capital costs required to enter the MIM manufacturing market. While there are exceptions, generally we do not recommend MIM for simple parts with volumes of less than 10,000/year.
MIM has applications in a variety of industries, and more uses are constantly being discovered. These industries include:
If you are interested in the benefits of MIM, we’d love to help- contact us!