MIM metal powder injection molding

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MIM is a new near net forming technology of metal parts, which is formed by introducing modern plastic injection molding technology into the field of powder metallurgy. MIM is a high-tech developing rapidly in the field of powder metallurgy and industry in recent years.

The process steps of MIM are as follows: firstly, metal powder and organic binder meeting MIM requirements are selected to mix into uniform feeding material under certain temperature conditions by appropriate methods, and then, after granulating, under the state of heating and plasticizing, injection molding machine is used to inject into the mold cavity to obtain forming blank, then degrease by chemical or solvent extraction method, and finally sinter in vacuum sintering furnace Final product.

Features of MIM products:
1. The parts have high degree of freedom in geometry, which can produce metal parts with complex shape in one time just like plastic products;

2. MIM products have uniform density, good finish, surface roughness of RA 0.80-1.6 μ m and weight range of 0.1-200g. High dimensional accuracy (± 0.1% ～ ± 0.3%), generally without subsequent processing;

3. Wide range of applicable materials, wide application field, high utilization rate of raw materials, high degree of production automation, simple process, and continuous mass production;

4. The product has stable quality and reliable performance. The relative density of the product can reach 95% – 99%. It can be subject to carburizing, quenching, tempering and other heat treatment. The products have high mechanical properties such as strength, hardness and elongation, good wear resistance, fatigue resistance and even structure;

It is generally believed that the development of MIM technology will lead to a revolution in parts forming and processing technology, which is known as “the most popular parts forming technology in the 21st century”.

MIM compared with traditional powder metallurgy:
MIM can make products with complex shapes and avoid more secondary machining.
MIM products have high density, good corrosion resistance, high strength and good ductility.
MIM can combine two or more PM products into one MIM product, saving materials and processes.

MIM vs. machining:
MIM design can save materials and reduce weight.
MIM can repeatedly break the sprue material after injection without affecting the product performance and high material utilization.
MIM can avoid many processes by forming complex products in one time.
MIM can be used to manufacture complex shape parts which are difficult to machine.

MIM vs. precision casting:
MIM can make thin-walled products, the thinnest can be 0.2mm.
MIM products have better surface roughness.
MIM is more suitable for making thin blind holes and through holes.
MIM greatly reduces the workload of secondary machining.
MIM can quickly manufacture small parts in large quantities and at low cost.

MIM metal powder injection molding vacuum sintering furnace