Analysis Of Powder Injection Molding (MIM) Process

Process introduction
MIM (metal injection molding), the abbreviation of metal injection molding, is a new metal part manufacturing technology developed by combining powder metallurgy and plastic molding technology. It is a new near net shape technology of metal parts that integrates plastic injection molding technology, polymer science, powder metallurgy technology and metal materials science. It not only inherits the advantages of traditional powder metallurgy and plastic injection molding, but also breaks through the limitations of traditional metal powder molding on the shape of parts. It can quickly manufacture parts with small volume and complex shape that cannot be processed or are difficult to be processed by traditional methods.

Technological process

MIM technology includes four main processes:
① Mixing and granulating of powder and binder;

② Injection molding by injection molding machine;

③ Select proper degreasing process to degrease;

④ Sintered parts make them densified.

Advantages of MIM molding

MIM technology has the advantages of simple process, low cost, no cutting or less cutting, high economic benefit, high density, good mechanical properties, and small surface roughness. It can also produce parts with complex structure in large quantities and efficiently. Generally, it does not need to continue finishing, and the cost of parts is reduced. It also overcomes many shortcomings of traditional powder metallurgy, cutting, and investment casting.

Technology application field

1. Computer and its auxiliary facilities: such as printer parts, magnetic cores, striker pins, and drive parts;

2. Tools: such as drill bit, cutter head, nozzle, gun drill, screw milling cutter, punch, socket, wrench, electrical tools, hand tools, etc;

3. Household appliances: such as watch case, watch chain, electric toothbrush, scissors, fan, golf head, jewelry chain link, ballpoint pen clamp, cutting tool blade and other parts;

4. Parts for medical machinery: such as dental orthosis frame, scissors, tweezers;

5. Military parts: missile tail wings, gun parts, warheads, drug type covers, credit introduction parts;

6. Electrical parts: electronic packaging, micro motors, electronic parts, sensor parts;

7. Mechanical parts: such as cotton loosening machine, textile machine, crimping machine, office machinery, etc;

8. Automotive and marine parts: such as clutch inner ring, fork sleeve, distributor sleeve, valve guide, synchronous hub, airbag parts, etc.