Metal injection molding (MIM) offers a manufacturing capability for producing complex shapes in large quantities. The process utilizes fine metal powders (typically less than 20 micrometers) that are custom formulated with a binder (various thermoplastics, waxes, and other materials) into a feedstock. During the preparation of the feedstock, nitrogen can be introduced to prevent the oxidation of the fine metal powders, ensuring the quality of the raw materials.
The feedstock is fed into a cavity (or multiple cavities) of a conventional injection molding machine. After the "green" component is removed, most of the binder is extracted by thermal or solvent processing, and the rest is removed as the component is sintered (solid-state diffused) in a controlled-atmosphere furnace. nitrogen is commonly used as the protective gas. By filling the furnace with nitrogen, oxidation of the component during the sintering process is effectively prevented, which helps to maintain the mechanical properties and surface quality of the final product.
The MIM process is very similar to plastic injection molding and high-pressure die casting, and it can produce much the same shapes and configuration features.

The advantages of the metal injection molding process lie in its capability to produce mechanical properties nearly equivalent to wrought materials, while being a net-shape process technology with good dimensional tolerance control. Metal injection molded parts offer a nearly unlimited shape and geometric-feature capability, with high-production rates possible through the use of multi-cavity tooling.

This article is republished for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee its accuracy or assume liability for the content. get more details from: Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) official website. If you believe this republishing infringes your rights, please contact us immediately, and we will promptly remove or address the issue.