The MIM production process

The actual process of metal injection moulding is a development of sintering. Progress has reached a point where sintering itself actually has certain limitations, primarily because the process requires the use of a two-section tool. This means that although it is possible to manufacture more-or-less any shape, only a single axis can be used. Metal injection moulding overcomes this limitation. The technique involves baking metal powder and plastic paste to form a “dough” that is subsequently heated and injected into a mould. The component is then sintered to eliminate the plastic paste and to provide the metal with its final properties. See the illustration below.

Properties

  • Narrow tolerances
  • Fine surfaces
  • In principle, without limitations for irregular shapes
  • A wide variety of materials
  • Requires large batches to cover the tool costs
  • Upper weight limit of around 100 g

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More details

Production process: MIM

Read more about metal injection moulding:
www.mpfi.org
www.epma.com