Difference between MIM metal injection molding and powder metallurgy

Difference between MIM metal injection molding and powder metallurgy

At present, powder metallurgy has been recognized by the industry as a green and sustainable manufacturing process technology. Powder metallurgy process to manufacture the same part only need to use fewer processes, that is, to complete more processes, more complex processes. MIM metal injection molding is powder microinjection molding In order to facilitate the manufacture of tiny structures, due to the large specific surface area of the powder, a binder with low viscosity but sufficient strength is required. Now let's talk to you about the characteristics of MIM metal injection molding process and powder metallurgy process.

First, the characteristics of powder metallurgy process:

1. Material sustainability.

In terms of material sustainability, the final forming capacity of powder metallurgy is its main advantage. For example, to form a toothed part, the traditional cutting process will have up to 40% of the material into chips, and in powder metallurgy, 85% of the total powder is produced from recycled materials. In the production process of powder metallurgy parts, the waste loss of each process is generally 3% or less, and the material utilization rate can reach 95%.

2. Energy sustainability.

In terms of energy sustainability, the typical traditional manufacturing process needs to go through several heating and reheating steps before the final shape; When the atomization method is used to produce steel powder or iron powder, it is only necessary to melt the scrap steel once, and all other hot processing operations are carried out at a temperature below the melting point, which not only saves energy, but also makes the material properties and mechanical properties required for the final shape and formation. By comparing the material utilization rate of metal forming process, it is found that the energy required to manufacture powder metallurgy parts is 44% of the forging and cutting parts.

3. Environmental sustainability.

In terms of environmental sustainability, due to the characteristics of the final forming capacity of powder metallurgy, in general, the finished parts are made after sintering, and can be packaged and delivered. In most cases, the cutting oil used in the processing of powder metallurgy products is insignificant, and the toxic pollutants released by sources such as cooling water are also very small. Compared with other manufacturing processes, the powder metallurgy parts industry has little harm to the environment.

Two, MIM metal injection molding process characteristics:

Powder microinjection molding technology is a forming technology developed on the basis of traditional powder injection molding technology for parts with a size less than 1 micron. It is mainly used in the continuous manufacturing of parts with micro-structure surface and micro-structure. The basic process steps are basically the same as those of traditional powder injection molding. The surface quality and porosity of the prepared parts can be controlled by selecting the original powder and suitable sintering conditions. In order to prevent the formation of deformation, cracks and bubbles, MIM metal injection molding technology is more stringent to the process conditions of degreasing and sintering.