MIM (Metal Injection Molding) is a near-net-shape manufacturing process that combines plastic injection molding with powder metallurgy.
It is ideal for producing small, complex, high-precision parts with intricate 3D geometries.
l Advantages:
① High design freedom
② Excellent dimensional accuracy
③ Good mechanical strength
④ Cost-effective for high-volume production
l Comparison:
① CNC: Suitable for simple geometries and low-volume production, but has higher costs and lower efficiency for complex parts.
② Die Casting: Capable of producing larger parts, but generally offers lower precision, strength, and thinner wall capabilities compared to MIM.
③ Stamping: Limited to 2D flat or formed sheet metal parts; cannot produce complex 3D shapes.
l Stainless Steels: 304, 316L, 17-4PH.
l Iron-based Alloys: Fe-Ni, Soft Magnetic Alloys.
l Tungsten Alloys, Titanium Alloys (select grades).
l Low-Alloy Steels, Tool Steels.
l etc.
l Standard tolerance: ±0.03mm to ±0.05mm.
l High precision: Can achieve ±0.01mm to ±0.02mm, depending on part geometry and size.
l Note: Tolerances may be relaxed for larger parts or more complex geometries.
l Recommended wall thickness: 0.3mm to 3mm (minimum achievable: 0.2mm).
l Avoid sharp corners and abrupt transitions between thin and thick walls.
l Incorporate radii and draft angles where possible.
l Complex holes, non-circular holes, and threads can be directly molded.
l Threads: Can be directly molded, eliminating the need for secondary machining.
l Blind holes & deep holes: Feasible, but subject to aspect ratio limitations. Feasibility depends on the specific part design—please provide a drawing for evaluation.
l Polishing, Sandblasting,
l Electroplating: Nickel, Zinc, Chrome, Gold, Silver, etc.
l E-coating, Blackening (Black Oxide), PVD, Passivation, etc.
l Relative density: 95% to 98%+ of theoretical density.
l Mechanical properties: Approaching those of wrought materials and significantly higher than conventional powder metallurgy. Fully capable of meeting the load-bearing requirements of structural components.
l Yes, a mold is required, as MIM is a tool-based molding process.
l Tooling cost: Quoted based on part complexity, size, and number of cavities. Typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand USD.
l Tooling cost may be reimbursed based on high-volume production.
