METAL INJECTION MOLDING

Innovative Solutions with Metal Injection Molding

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COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX MANUFACTURING CHALLENGES

Enhancing Manufacturing Precision and Efficiency with Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

 

Confronted by the escalating costs and inherent limitations associated with conventional metal manufacturing technologies? Metal Injection Molding (MIM) emerges as a formidable alternative, integrating the design versatility of plastic injection molding with the structural integrity and durability of metal alloys. Particularly advantageous for sectors that require high precision, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, MIM offers a cost-efficient solution without compromising on quality.

Key Advantages of Metal Injection Molding:

Complex Geometries: MIM excels in fabricating intricate designs that pose challenges for traditional metal forming methods, enabling the realization of detailed component features with high precision.

 

Material Efficiency: Through its near-net-shape production capabilities, MIM enhances material utilization, significantly reducing waste and thereby supporting cost reduction initiatives.

 

Sustainability: MIM contributes to sustainable manufacturing practices by minimizing material waste and energy consumption, aligning with environmental conservation goals

 

Consistency: The process ensures uniform quality across large production volumes, achieving high repeatability which is critical for maintaining standardization in product manufacturing.

 

Superior Mechanical Properties: MIM components exhibit enhanced durability and performance, tailored to meet the rigorous demands of specific applications.

 

Versatile Integration: Facilitates the integration of components into larger assemblies, as MIM parts can be readily joined or brazed, enhancing the overall structural coherence and functionality of the final product.

 

Discover the strategic benefits of incorporating MIM into your production line to streamline processes and achieve superior outcomes. Metal Injection Molding not only addresses the immediate manufacturing challenges but also enhances operational efficiencies and product performance across diverse industry applications

 

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS

MIM Process

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Compounding

We produce custom-tailored alloys to exceed the demands of your application.
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Injection

The feedstock is then injected into a mold cavity, where it takes on the shape of the desired part.
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Debinding

The molded part is then removed from the mold and subjected to a debinding process, where a portion of the binder material is removed.
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Sintering

After debinding, the part is sintered, where the remaining binding agent is removed and the part fuses all metal particles together to meet final density and strength requirements.
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Secondary

Finally, the part may undergo any additional finishing processes needed such as surface treatment, heat treatment or machining to achieve the desired finish and dimensional accuracy.
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Compounding

Your desired blend of metal powders is combined with binders to create a “feedstock” mix.
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Injection

The feedstock is then injected into a mold cavity, where it takes on the shape of the desired part.
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Debinding

The molded part is then removed from the mold and subjected to a debinding process, where a portion of the binder material is removed.
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Sintering

After debinding, the part is sintered, where the remaining binding agent is removed and the part fuses all metal particles together to meet final density and strength requirements.
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Secondary

Finally, the part may undergo any additional finishing processes needed such as surface treatment, heat treatment or machining to achieve the desired finish and dimensional accuracy.
Questions about our process?
APPLICATIONS

What can MIM do?

MIM components excel in a variety of applications and markets.

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hospital beds, x-ray machines, prosthetics, pacemakers, surgical instruments
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weapon systems and misc. control components
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brackets and hooks
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drives, controls, material handling, scales, drill chucks, motors, plumbing components, latches, spraying systems, and hand tools
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hospital beds, x-ray machines, prosthetics, pacemakers, surgical instruments
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weapon systems and misc. control components
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brackets and hooks
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drives, controls, material handling, scales, drill chucks, motors, plumbing components, latches, spraying systems, and hand tools
Learn about our solutions across multiple industries.
ALTERNATIVE TO FORMING PROCESSES

MIM Materials and Alloys

The MIM process uses a wide array of alloys and metals.  From stainless steel to tungsten alloy to low alloy steel, and more, MPP provides expertise in working with any material used in the MIM process.  MIM is an excellent alternative to other forming processes, including Inconel casting for aerospace manufacturing.

 

The most commonly used elements in MIM processing are:

  • Iron
  • Nickel
  • Chromium
  • Molybdenum

Iron and nickel are two of the easiest elements to process because of their compatible melt temperature and ease of sintering. Iron and nickel make up a significant amount of the total tonnage produced in the industry.

MPP’S MOST POPULAR MIM MATERIALS

Superalloys

  • A-286 – Excellent corrosion resistance, high temperature strength
  • Hastelloy X – Good oxidation resistance, high temperature strength
  • Inconel 625 – Excellent corrosion and heat-resisting characteristics

Stainless Steels

  • 17-4PH – Best combination of strength and corrosion resistance
  • 316 – Excellent corrosion resistance
  • 420 – High hardness

Low Alloy Steels

  • 2200 – Similar to PM FN-0200, good magnetic and toughness properties
  • 4605 – High treatable, high-strength steel, up to HRC 52
  • 4140 – Heat treatable, high-strength steel, up to HRC 60

Controlled Expansion Alloys

  • Fe-Ni – The alloy composition (ie, Invar, Alloy 42, etc) can be tailored for the application’s thermal expansion requirement
  • F15 – AKA Kovar®, the alloy is engineered for hermetic glass-metal seals

High Density Alloys

  • W-based – High temperature sintering proficiency allows various tungsten-nickel-iron alloy capability; sintered densities range up to 18 g/cc

Soft Magnetic Alloys

  • Fe-Si – Silicon content up to 9% allows for high resistivity with good soft magnetic response
  • Fe-Co – Excellent magnet saturation properties