Metal injection molding
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please discuss this issue on the talk page or replace this tag with a more specific message. This article has been tagged since September 2005. |
Metal injection molding (MIM) is a manufacturing process which combines the versatility of plastic injection molding with the strength and integrity of machined, pressed or otherwise manufactured small, complex, metal parts.
The process involves combining fine metal powders with plastic and wax binders which allow the metal to be injected into a mold. The binders are then removed by solvent and thermal processes and the resultant metal part is then sintered at temperatures great enough to bind the particles but not melt the metal. The products of metal injection molding are up to 98% as dense as wrought iron and used in a broad range of applications (including medical, dental, aerospace, and automotive just to name a few.)
The window of economic advantage in metal injection molded parts is such that the complexity and small size of the part or perhaps difficulty of fabrication through other means make it cost inefficient or impossible to manufacture otherwise. Increasing complexity for traditional manufacturing methods typically does not increase cost in a metal injection molding operation due to the wide range of features possible through injection molding (undercuts, thread both internal and external, miniaturization, branding, etc.)
[edit] External links
- http://www.basf.com/catamold - Under the trade name Catamold BASF markets high quality granulates including the unique Technology of catalytic debinding for the manufacture of complex metallic or ceramic parts by Powder Injection Molding.
- European Powder Metallurgy Association One of the worlds most comprehensive websites on powder metallurgy including MIM. Contains details of PM processes, products and companies.
- PIM Research at the Powder Technology Center of Austrian Research Centers, The development of new materials and feedstocks, micro-PIM, process simulation and innovative tooling concepts are the main basic research topics of the center, while demand in industrial R&D projects is mainly for feasibility studies and small series production. In cooperation with material suppliers and equipment manufacturers, the Powder Technology Center offers a pilot-scale facility for PIM R&D.
