MIM is a net-shape molding technology that belongs to Powder Metallurgy. The MIM process combines the design flexibility of plastic injection molding with the strength and integrity of wrought metal to offer cost effective solutions for highly complex part geometries.
The MIM process is typically explained as four unique processing steps ( Compounding, Molding, Debinding and Sintering ) to produce a final parts that may or may not need final CNC machining operations.
Contrast for MIM and Traditional Process
Item |
Metal Injection Mold(MIM) |
PM |
Precision Casting |
Machining Operation |
Stamping |
Density |
98% |
86% |
98% |
100% |
100% |
Tensile Strength |
High |
Low |
High |
High |
High |
Surface Finish |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
High |
Small size |
High |
Medium |
Low |
Medium |
High |
Thickness |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
Low |
High |
Complexity Level |
High |
Low |
Medium |
High |
Low |
Design Tolerance |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium |
Low |
Capacity |
High |
High |
Medium |
Medium-High |
High |
Range of Applying Material |
High |
High |
Medium-High |
Medium |
Medium |
Supply Ability |
High |
High |
Medium |
Low |
High |
Contrast for MIM and Precision Casting Molding
Property |
MIM |
Precision;CastingMolding |
MinimumThickness |
0.4mm |
2mm |
MaximumThickness |
10mm |
Unlimited |
MinimumDiameter |
0.4mm |
2mm |
ToleranceofDiameter4mm |
+/-0.06mm |
+/-0.2mm |
SurfaceRoughness |
1μm |
1μm |
MIM Material Property
Material Designation |
Density |
Hardness |
UTS |
Elongation |
|
|
g/cm³ |
/ |
Mpa |
% |
|
Iron-based Alloy |
MIM-2200 ( Sintered ) |
7.5 |
45-65HRB |
310 |
40 |
|
MIM-2700 ( Sintered ) |
7.6 |
70-90HRB |
410 |
25 |
Stainless Steels |
MIM-316L ( As-sintered ) |
7.75 |
110-160Hv1 |
498 |
40 |
|
MIM-316 Duplex ( As-sintered ) |
7.65 |
70-100HRB |
732 |
24 |
|
MIM-17-4PH ( Sintered ) |
7.5 |
20-25HRC |
900 |
11 |
|
MIM-17-4PH ( Heat Treated ) |
7.5 |
35-40HRC |
1160 |
7 |
|
MIM-304 ( As-sintered ) |
7.65 |
110-160Hv1 |
480 |
35 |
|
MIM-440C ( Sintered ) |
7.5 |
25-35HRC |
- |
- |
Tungsten Alloy |
95%W-Ni-Fe ( Sintered ) |
18.1 |
30 |
960 |
25 |
|
97%W-Ni-Fe ( Sintered ) |
18.5 |
33 |
940 |
15 |
Hardened Steels |
MIM-4605 ( Sintered ) |
7.5 |
70-100HRB |
700 |
11 |
|
MIM-4605 ( Heat-treated ) |
7.5 |
45-50HRC |
1610 |
3 |