Whatsapp Email Get a Auota

A Comprehensive Guide to the Metal Injection Molding Process: Steps, Materials, and Applications

Metal injection molding (MIM) is a versatile manufacturing process that allows for the creation of complex metal parts with superior accuracy and consistency. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of metal injection molding, including the materials used and the many applications of this innovative technology.

Step 1: Feedstock Preparation

The first step in the metal injection molding process is the preparation of the feedstock. Feedstock is a mixture of fine metal powder and binder materials that will be used to create the final product. The feedstock is carefully prepared by mixing the metal powder with a thermoplastic or wax binder that will hold the powder together during molding.

Step 2: Injection Molding

Once the feedstock is ready, it is fed into an injection molding machine. The machine heats the feedstock to a temperature that allows it to flow like a liquid and injects it into a mold. The mold is typically made of steel and is designed to create the desired shape of the final product.

Step 3: Debinding

Once the molding is complete, the part is removed from the mold and undergoes a process called debinding. During debinding, the binder material is removed from the part by heating it to a high temperature, usually in the range of 400-1000 degrees Celsius. This process burns off the binder and leaves an open-pore structure that is necessary for the next step.

Step 4: Sintering

The final step in the metal injection molding process is sintering. Sintering is the process of heating the part in a furnace to a temperature just below the melting point of the metal. During this process, the metal particles fuse together, creating a solid, dense part. Sintering can take several hours, depending on the size and complexity of the part.

Materials Used in Metal Injection Molding

Metal injection molding can use a variety of metals, including stainless steel, tool steel, copper, and titanium. The metal powder used in the process is typically less than 20 microns in size, allowing for the creation of fine, detailed parts with a high level of accuracy and consistency.

Applications of Metal Injection Molding

Metal injection molding has a wide range of applications across many industries, including medical devices, automotive parts, and consumer electronics. Some specific examples include:\

-In the medical industry, metal injection molding is used to create surgical instruments, dental tools, and implants.\

-In the automotive industry, metal injection molding is used to create gears, shafts, and other small components.\

-In the electronics industry, metal injection molding is used to create connectors, diaphragms, and other intricate parts.

In conclusion, metal injection molding is a highly versatile manufacturing process that allows for the creation of complex metal parts with a high level of accuracy and consistency. By following the steps outlined above, manufacturers can produce finely-detailed parts for a wide range of applications across many industries.

metal injection molding steps

On-demand Rapid Injection Molding

Sigma’s rapid tooling service helps you to have the low volume to large volume plastic parts done, with no compromise on the material selection.

  • No MOQ required
  • Get the rapid tooling as fast as 2 weeks
  • Free DFM
  • 24/7 engineering support

Our rapid injection molding Application

Sigma Technik Limited's rapid injection molding service injects molten plastic materials into molds using injection molding machines and molds, and cools and solidifies them over a certain period of time, ultimately forming the required plastic parts. This manufacturing process is usually suitable for producing small and medium-sized plastic parts, which can obtain high-quality and precise parts in a short period of time.

Plastic Injection Molding

Injection molding is a common manufacturing process to produce low volume to large volumes of parts typically made out of plastic. The process involves injecting molten material into a mold and letting it cool to a solid-state.

Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding

Liquid Silicone Rubber is known as LSR, which is a process used to produce parts made from silicone rubber, widely used create products such as medical devices, automotive parts, baby care products, and many others.

2K Injection molding

2K injection molding is a manufacturing process in which two different types of plastic materials are molded together in a single operation to create a single homogeneous component. This process allows for efficient and cost-effective production of high-quality parts that can perform unique functions.

Overmolding and Insert Molding

Overmolding / Insert molding combines two or more materials into a single part, one of the material is usually soft and flexible, or metal. The purpose of overmolding/insert molding is to add functionality, improve grip, provide protection, or enhance aesthetics.

Mission And Vision

Rapid injection molding materials

ABS

ABS is a type of plastic with high strength, hardness, and toughness. It has good impact resistance and wear resistance, and is suitable for manufacturing shells, components, and models.

PC

PC is a transparent, high-strength, high-temperature resistant, and excellent electrical insulation material. It is suitable for manufacturing transparent components, electronic components, and automotive components.

PP

PP is a relatively flexible material with excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. It is suitable for manufacturing containers, pipelines, baby bottles, etc.

PA

PA is a material with high strength, high rigidity, and wear resistance. It is suitable for manufacturing gears, bearings, brackets, etc.

POM

POM is a material with excellent wear resistance, toughness, and rigidity. It is suitable for manufacturing gears, bearings, pulleys, etc.

00+

Delicated Employees

00+

Countries Served

00+

Satisfied Customers

00+

Projects Delivered Per Month

About Us

What can we do?

Sigma Technik Limited, as a prototype production company and rapid manufacturer focusing on rapid prototyping and low volume production of plastic and metal parts, has advanced manufacturing technology, one-stop service, diversified manufacturing methods, on-demand manufacturing services and efficient manufacturing processes, which can provide customers with high-quality, efficient and customized product manufacturing services and help customers improve product quality and market competitiveness.

Work

Rapid Injection Molding Service Application

Let’s start a great partnership journey!

Rapid Injection Molding FAQs

Burrs appear on the surface of the product, which affects its aesthetics and safety. The solution can be to adjust the parameters of the injection molding machine, such as temperature, pressure, speed, etc., or to perform post-processing, such as polishing, sandblasting, etc.

The warping deformation of the product is usually caused by unstable parameters such as temperature and pressure of the injection molding machine, or improper mold design. The solution can be to adjust parameters such as temperature and pressure, or to redesign the mold.

The occurrence of bubbles inside the product may be due to the high temperature of the injection molding machine and the high moisture content of the material. The solution can be to reduce the temperature of the injection molding machine, adjust the water content of the material, increase the pressure of the injection molding machine, etc.

The product size deviation is too large, which may be caused by material thermal expansion, mold deformation and other reasons. The solution can be to adjust parameters and optimize mold design based on material characteristics.