What is the metal injection molding process?

1. It is a new type of near-net-forming technology derived from the plastic injection molding industry. Plastic injection molding technology produces various complex shapes at low prices, but the strength of plastic products is not high. To improve their performance, metal or ceramic powder can be added to plastic.

2. Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a process in which metals are powdered, mixed, and placed into a mold to form solid device parts. Due to the limited mixture of powdered metal and binder material (called raw material), MIM is ideal for producing small, complex parts. Applications for this process include mechanical parts, dental tools, and firearm equipment, often involving small, intricate components.

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Process.

1. The MIM process combines the design flexibility of injection molding with the strength and integrity of precision metals to achieve low-cost solutions for extremely complex geometry parts.

2.The MIM process is divided into four unique processing steps (mixing, molding, debinding, and sintering) to achieve part production, with surface treatment needs depending on the product characteristics.

3. The MIM manufacturing process generally includes: mixing and granulation, injection molding, degreasing, sintering, and secondary processing.

Main technical features of the MIM process.

1. It is suitable for forming various powder materials, with widespread product applications.

2. High utilization rate of raw materials, high degree of production automation, suitable for continuous mass production.

3. It can directly form small parts with complex geometric shapes (0.03g to 200g).

4. The dimensional accuracy of parts is high (±0.1% to ±0.5%), with good surface finish (roughness 1 to 5μm).

5. The product has a high relative density (95-100%), uniform organization, and excellent performance.

Commonly used surface treatment processes for MIM parts.

1. Polishing: This process reduces surface roughness through mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical action to achieve a bright and flat surface.

2. Electroplating Treatment: Electroplating involves attaching a metal film to the surface of a metal or other material by electrolysis. It offers benefits such as preventing oxidation, improving wear resistance and aesthetics, and enhancing corrosion resistance.

3. Blackening Treatment: This chemical treatment method produces an oxide film on metal surfaces to prevent rust by isolating them from the air. It is suitable for cases where appearance requirements are not stringent, and the main components of the blackening liquid are sodium hydroxide and sodium nitrite.

The advantages of the MIM process.

1. Design Flexibility: Unlike PM press molding, which relies on high-pressure uniaxial press molding and is more suitable for simpler structural parts, MIM injection molding offers almost unlimited geometric possibilities and allows for highly free 3D design.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: MIM injection molding can achieve cost savings for high-density, high-complexity structural parts that cannot be manufactured using traditional processes. While PM press molding may be cost-effective for simple parts, MIM injection molding produces precise part geometries without the need for cutting or secondary machining, reducing overall production costs.

3. Powder Material: Both PM and MIM use the same base powder, but MIM injection-molded powders are smaller and more expensive, allowing for customization of special parts.

4. Enhanced Physical Properties: MIM injection-molded parts exhibit better physical properties compared to those produced by PM press molding. The uniformity of MIM parts in all directions results in higher strength, toughness, and wear resistance, attributed to the higher sintering temperature used in MIM.

Application of the MIM process.

1. Auto Parts: Airbag components, car lock parts, seatbelt components, car door lift system parts, pinions, small sensor components, and brake system racks.

2. Military Parts: Gun components, ammunition parts, and fuze components.

3. Computer and IT Industries: Mobile phone card trays, structural parts for mobile phones, printer components, magnetic cores, striker pins, drive components, and optical communication ceramic plugs.

4. Tools: Drill bits, cutter heads, nozzles, spiral milling cutters, pneumatic tool components, and fishing gear parts.

5. Household Appliances: Watch cases, watch chains, electric toothbrushes, scissors, golf club heads, jewelry links, cutting tool heads, and other components.

6. Medical Machinery Parts: Orthodontic frames, scissors, and tweezers.

7. Electrical Parts: Micro motors and sensor devices.

8. Mechanical Parts: Textile machine components, crimping machine parts, and office machinery components.

Packing and Shipping.

1. Each product is carefully packed with bubble wrap and placed in cartons. To prevent scratches from impacts during transportation, wooden boxes specially designed for export are used.

2. Products are shipped according to customer preferences, including express, air, sea, and railway shipping options.

FAQs.

1. How can I get a quotation?

   - We provide quotes based on drawings, quantity, weight, and material. A real sample is also acceptable.

2. If I don't have a drawing, can you create one for me?

   - Yes, we can create a drawing based on your sample to duplicate it.

3. What is your payment method?

   - For tooling, we require 50% T/T in advance and 50% T/T balance upon sample approval. For bulk orders, a 30% deposit via T/T is required, with the remaining 70% balance payable via T/T against the copy of B/L.

4. What file formats can you open?

   - We can open PDF, IGS, DWG, X_T, and STEP (STP) file formats.

5. What surface treatments do you offer?

   - Our surface treatments include powder coating, sandblasting, painting, polishing, acid pickling, anodizing, enamel, zinc plating, hot-dip galvanizing, and chrome plating.

6. What is your packing method?

   - Products are carefully packed with bubble wrap and placed in cartons. Wooden boxes designed for export are used to prevent scratches during transportation.

7. Do you have a subsidiary overseas?

   - Yes, we have a subsidiary in Michigan, USA.