Metal Powder Injection Molding

Metal injection molding (MIM) is a method of compaction of a metal

powder fed and injected into a mold cavity by means of a screw rotating in
cylinder.
The method is similar to the injection molding of polymers.
The principal scheme of the injection molding method is shown in the
picture:

MIM - MPIM
The processing technology comprises the following 5 stages:
1. Mixing the metal powder with 30% - 40% of a binder low melt
polymer.
2. Injection of the warm powder with molten binder into the mold by
means of the screw.
3. Removal of the part from the mold after cooling down of the
mixture.
4. Debinding removal of the binder.
There are two debinding methods:
solvent debinding the binder is dissolved by a solvent or by water;
thermal debinding the binder is heated above the volatilization
temperature.

5. Sintering the "green" compact at a temperature close (but below) to

the melting point .
Consider: High shrinkage factor, sensitive against centrifugal forces

inhomogeneous material

MIM - MPIM

Injection

PullPull-out by Robot

Inspection

MIM - MPIM

Applications
Metal injection molding method (MIM) is widely used
for manufacturing small parts having complex
shapes.
The molding cycle in the injection molding method
is about 10 sec, which much less, than the molding
time in the alternative methods 10-20 min.
The method permits to produce part with close
tolerance, due to the consistent shrinkage. This
shrinkage is taken into account in the mold design.
Metal injection molding method (MIM) is involved in
processing carbon steels, stainless steels, nickel
alloys, tungsten and molybdenum.

Applications

Applications