Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a state-of-the-art near-net-shape manufacturing technology that merges the design flexibility of plastic injection molding with the superior mechanical, thermal, and
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a state-of-the-art near-net-shape manufacturing technology that merges the design flexibility of plastic injection molding with the superior mechanical, thermal, and corrosion properties of powder metallurgy.
The physicochemical core of the process relies on transforming fine metallic powders into a highly viscous, processable fluid by adding a sacrificial polymeric binder, followed by injection molding, physical or chemical debinding, and thermally activated sintering.
The manufacturing sequence is divided into four distinct stages:
The manufacturing equipment used for MIM is divided into three key systems: specialized injection molding machines, debinding stations, and high-temperature sintering furnaces.
The kinematic design is adapted from thermoplastic injection molding, modified to handle highly abrasive, high-density powder-loaded feedstocks:
MIM molds are designed using advanced plastic injection molding principles, modified to accommodate the high viscosity, abrasiveness of metal powders, and the substantial shrinkage occurring during sintering.
| Category | Formative Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Library | CNC machining |
Engineer, author of The Big Book of 3D Printing and additive manufacturing expert