FAQ of metal injection molding process

FAQ of metal injection molding process

This is the information collected from indo-mim on the internet. It is a little old. New friends can refer to it. The teachers can ignore it directly.

1. What is MIM technology

2. How does MIM work?

3. Is the metal melted during the forming process?

4. What is the difference between MIM and conventional PM process?

5. Will the parts shrink during the removal of adhesive?

6. What will the density and intensity of the MIM part be?

7. Why use MIM?

8. What materials can be used for production?

9. What is the best way to realize the benefits of MIM?

10. Delivery period?

11. What is the annual output?

12. Is there a criterion for the definition of complexity?

13. Are there restrictions?

14. What tolerance will be achieved?

15. What equipment is used in the process?

16. Can MIM be heat treated or gilded?

1. What is MIM technology?

MIM is a manufacturing technology combining plastic injection molding and powder metallurgy of elastic materials

2. How does MIM work?

Fine metal powder is bonded with thermoplastic and wax adhesive to form a raw material. When heated, this material will become a viscous paddle material, and then pressed into an engineering mold under high pressure to form the required model. After cooling, it is removed from the mold seed, and then processed to remove the adhesive component (called degreasing). The last step (sintering) is to put it into a controlled high temperature environment, and the metal powder will be condensed into a compact solid after melting.

3. Is the metal melted during the forming process?

No, only when the adhesive melts, can the powder flow like plastic material. Cooling adhesive is the component with certain strength. The parts are then sintered to a high density to meet their mechanical properties.

4. What is the difference between MIM and conventional PM process?

Traditional PM uses unidirectional high pressure to press rough metal powder into a fixed position to manufacture moderately complex equipment. In particular, its density was not further improved during the sintering process. The density value produced by this method is between 80-90%, which limits its physical properties as an alloy. Because of the flexibility of MIM, manufacturing complex products is not limited. Fine metal powder combined with high temperature sintering enables the final product produced by MIM to reach a high density. This makes MIM products and precision materials have similar characteristics.

5. Will the parts shrink during the removal of adhesive?

No, the volume of components will not change during the degreasing process. However, up to 20% deformation will occur in the parts when the sintering reaches.

6. What will the density and intensity of the MIM part be?

The density of typical MIM is theoretically higher than 96%. The specific density characteristic depends on the choice of alloy, but in any case it is close to the precision material.

7. Why use MIM?

MIM has advantages in manufacturing fine and highly complex parts, which are difficult or cannot be produced by traditional machining or casting technology due to cost problems.

8. What materials can be used for production?

Almost all metal alloys can be used in MIM process. Typical alloys include high-strength steel, nickel-added stainless steel and superalloys. Other material processing includes refractory alloy, titanium and copper alloy, low melting point alloy including brass, bronze, zinc and aluminum, but it is not economical to use in MIM process. You can view the material selection table of the whole process of Indo-MIM.

9 What is the best way to realize the benefits of MIM?

In the early design stage of the product production cycle, the application of MIM technology is the best way to achieve the benefits of MIM. Indo-MIM will help you apply MIM technology, whether it is a new product or an existing traditional metal forming technology.

10. Delivery period?

The typical lead time for processing and submitting samples is 8-10 weeks. However, the corresponding delivery period can be shortened according to the specific engineering requirements.

11. What is the annual output?

Generally speaking, the average annual output of typical products should exceed 20K. However, Indo-MIM will consider any annual output beneficial to customers.

12. Is there a criterion for the definition of complexity?

There is no right or wrong here. According to the rule of thumb, if a drawing has more than 20 dimensions, it is suitable to become a good MIM component.

13. Are there restrictions?

Like any other technology,

MIM technology also has limitations. The maximum weight of the product is limited to 240 grams (from an economic point of view, the weight is generally limited to no more than 50 grams). Some geometric properties may also have problems (ultra-thick or ultra-thin sections). Indo-MIM will advise you on the best design that suits your needs.

14. What tolerance will be achieved?

Typical MIM tolerances are 0.3% to 0.5%. However, the tolerance depends largely on the geometric characteristics of the product. Exceeding the MIM technical tolerance can be achieved by machining. Indo-MIM will help you analyze and provide a comprehensive selection of on-site equipment to provide products that meet your needs.

15. What equipment is used in the process?

MIM process uses typical high-performance frameless machines. Indo-MIM uses advanced equipment with the latest controller to ensure advanced processing output. Indo-MIM has established strategic relationships with equipment suppliers in many European and American countries, and we have ordered many equipment with special needs.

16. Can MIM be heat treated or gilded?

Yes, MIM parts can be heat treated, gilded, processed or forged just like traditional machined products. Indo-MIM has heat treatment and gold-plating equipment in the field to provide complete flat components.