Metal injection molding

This shot can be distributed into multiple cavities, making MIM cost-effective for small, intricate, high-volume products, which would otherwise be expensive to produce.

After the initial molding, the feedstock binder is removed, and the metal particles are diffusion bonded and densified to achieve the desired strength properties.

Next, a portion of the binder material is removed using solvent, thermal furnaces, catalytic process, or a combination of methods.

The end-product metal has comparable mechanical and physical properties with annealed parts made using classic metalworking methods.

MIM materials are comparable to metal formed by competing methods, and final products are used in a broad range of industrial, commercial, medical, dental, firearms, aerospace, and automotive applications.

Ideally, at least 75 dimensional specifications in a component of just 25 mm maximum size and 10 g mass is best – as for example required for watch cases, cellular telephone plugs, and laptop computer hinges.

[6] The ability to combine several operations into one process ensures MIM is successful in saving lead times as well as costs, providing significant benefits to manufacturers.

The metal injection molding process might be a green technology due to the significant reduction in wastage compared to "traditional" manufacturing methods such as 5 axis CNC machining.

Additionally, electromagnetic interference shielding requirements have presented unique challenges, which are being successfully attained through the utilization of specialty alloys (ASTM A753 Type 4).