WHAT IS A METAL INJECTION MOLDING (MIM) MANUFACTURING?

The manufacturing process is the oldest yet most popular method that takes place to melt the raw material and produces the parts and product through it. There are different types of manufacturing methods are available to make the desired parts and product.

In simple words, manufacturing is the process of turning the raw plastic pellets into the final finished product. The process starts with a selection of material and a designed mold on the specification of the client’s projects and market needs.

TERM METAL INJECTION MOLDING:

When it comes to types of injection molding, metal injection molding is a part of it. It is the process of using metallurgy powder to make metal parts. It contains high density which makes the parts sturdy and stronger. Further, it’s the same as the injection molding method using rubber or plastic, but it generates the strongest metal products than plastic or rubber.

Plastic injection molding manufacturer designs and manufactures metallic parts and Products as well. This molding process takes place on the requirement of making sturdy and strongest parts. The product or application manufactured from a metal injection molding method includes automotive parts, medical & surgical tools, electronic connectors, fire protection components, computer disk drives, etc.

5 STEPS PROCESS OF A METAL INJECTION MOLDING:

An injection molding method using metal is a complex and fast-growing manufacturing process. In this process, the metal material uses with thermoplastics to make the product more complex and sturdy. There are five steps involved in MIM to produce metal parts are following:

MIXING OR KNEADING (PREPARATION OF FEEDSTOCK):

Before the beginning of the injection molding process, it needs to prepare the feedstock using metal powders and thermoplastic binders. The metal powder and thermoplastic binder mix that’s called feedstock. 

INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS (GREEN PARTS):

Feedstock (prepared mixed material) feeds into the hopper of the machine to inject into a mold. This process same as rubber or plastic injection molding, But, feedstock used as a raw material for injecting inside a mold. 

DE-BINDING (BINDER REMOVAL):

After the injection molding process, it’s the removal time of green parts (binder) from the metal product. The metal product soaks into a water bath to remove green parts from it. Or pore network uses in binder removing process. The pore network allows, evaporating the green parts (binder) from the metal product.

SINTERING:

After the completion of the de-binding stage, the sintering process begins to remove the residue from the metal product. It removes under the furnace for heating treatment. It fuses the products into a solid shape.   

FINAL PART’S FINISHING:

The sintered parts bring into the final stage for removing the surface imperfection or blemishes. The final finished metal products are ready to ship.

ADVANTAGES:

  • It produces low costs metal products.
  • It gives high complexity to the shape of the metal products. 
  • MIM contains high density.

USES:

This method takes place for the need of:

  • High shape complexity
  • High density and strength
  • Corrosion resistance 
  • Excellent magnetic permeability
  • Automotive parts, sensors, and actuators
  • Hardware tools
  • Engine purposes
  • Electronic equipment
  • Aerospace components

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