metal powder injection molding technology (metal Injection Molding, or MIM) is a new near net-shaping technology, which combines plastic injection molding with powder metallurgy.
MIM consists of four basic steps: feedstock, injection, debinding, sintering. First, mix fine metal powders with plastic binders to form the feedstock. And it is subjected to heating at a temperature near and below its melting point. Then it’s injected into the mould with high pressure. We will get shaped parts. Always we call it green parts. Debinding removes the binders from the gree parts by heating. And then it’s hold together by a small amount of remaining binders, and it’s thus fragile. Sintering estimates the remaining binders, then densifies and gives it final geometry.
Compared with conventional manufacturing technologies, the products made by MIM has many competitive advantages:
1, higher precision
2, more uniform density
3, better values
4, more effective cost
Nowadays, with the amazing development of the MIM, the products are used in various industries, such as auto,Electronic devices, biology, medical equipment, office equipment, machinery, hardware, sports equipment, watch, weapons, aerospace industry, etc.
And people think that MIM will cause a revolution of parts shaping and manufacturing, and is regarded as “the most popular parts shaping technology” and “ shaping technology in 21th century.