Metal Injection Molding of POM (Polyoxymethylene) Binder: Pros, Cons, and Applications

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a popular manufacturing process that involves the production of various metal parts through the injection of powdered metal into a mold. One of the central aspects of this process is the use of binders, which are essential for holding the metal powders together during the molding process. POM (Polyoxymethylene) is an efficient binder material that has gained significant popularity in metal injection molding.

In this blog post, we will be discussing the use of POM as a binder material in metal injection molding, its pros, cons, and applications.

Introduction to POM Binder in Metal Injection Molding

POM binder is a thermoplastic resin that possesses excellent mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength, stiffness, and low frictional properties. These properties make POM an ideal binder material in metal injection molding, especially for producing small metal parts that require a high degree of accuracy and precision.

Pros of Using POM Binder in MIM

There are several advantages to using POM as a binder in metal injection molding:

1. Good Flow Properties: POM binder has excellent flow properties, which means it can easily fill mold cavities during the molding process, ensuring that the finished product has a uniform and smooth surface.

2. Good Thermal Stability: POM binder has high thermal stability, which means it can withstand high temperatures during the sintering process without breaking down. This property makes it an ideal binder for producing metal parts that require high-temperature resistance.

3. Good Chemical Resistance: POM binder is highly resistant to various chemicals, such as acids, bases, and solvents, which means it can withstand exposure to harsh environments during usage.

4. Reduced Shrinkage: POM binder has low shrinkage properties, which means it can produce high-precision metal parts with minimal size variability.

Cons of Using POM Binder in MIM

Although POM has several benefits, it has some disadvantages when used as a binder in metal injection molding:

1. High Cost: POM binder is relatively expensive compared to other binder materials, which means it may not be a cost-effective choice for producing large batches of metal parts.

2. Poor Water Resistance: POM binder is not resistant to water absorption, which means it may not be an ideal choice for producing metal parts that require prolonged exposure to humid or wet environments.

Applications of POM Binder in MIM

POM binder is widely used in metal injection molding processes for producing small and complex-shaped metal parts that require high precision and mechanical properties. Some of the common applications of POM binder in MIM include:

1. Automotive Parts: POM binder is commonly used in producing small and precise automotive parts, such as fuel injection parts, nozzle rings, and gearwheels.

2. Medical Devices: POM binder is used in the production of medical devices, such as orthodontic brackets, surgical instruments, and dental implants.

3. Aerospace Applications: POM binder is used in the production of aerospace components, such as aircraft sensors, actuators, and fuel system components.

Conclusion

POM binder is an effective binder material that has several benefits for metal injection molding applications. Its excellent flow properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance make it an ideal choice for producing small and complex-shaped metal parts that require precision and accuracy. However, its high cost and poor water resistance properties may limit its applicability in certain industries. Overall, POM binder is an essential material in the metal injection molding industry, especially for producing high-precision metal components in various applications.

metal injection molding pom binder

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.