Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technology combines the shape making capabilities of plastic injection molding with the material flexibility of powder metallurgy. Taking advantage of unique process capabilities, it allows one complex geometry or co-molding and bonding dissimilar materials. Combining fine metal powders with a “binder” system, components are injection molded, de-bound and sintered, resulting in high-density, complex, precisely-shaped parts exhibiting properties approaching that of wrought material. Alloy and stainless steel, as well as other non-ferous alloys such as titanium, are common materials for MIM.
MIM is used by many industries , such as medical device, telecom, electronics and automotive parts manufacturers, and is a viable and cost effective alternative to other types of metal processes, such as machining and casting. The MIM process is particularly well suited for the high-volume manufacture of relatively small, complex components requiring high strength, high performance and cost efficiency.