The ABCs of Metal Injection Molding: A Comprehensive Glossary

Metal injection molding, or MIM, is a popular manufacturing process that produces complex metal parts with high precision and accuracy. For beginners and experts alike, it can be challenging to keep track of the many different terms and concepts associated with MIM. This blog post aims to clarify some of the most common technical terms and definitions relevant to metal injection molding by presenting a comprehensive glossary.

The glossary will be presented in alphabetical order to make it easier for readers to navigate, with each entry accompanied by a brief explanation. The blog post will cover topics such as materials, processes, equipment, and characterization techniques, among others. Some of the terms that will be included are:

Alloy: A material made up of two or more metals, designed to exhibit specific properties such as strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance.

Binder: A component of the feedstock used in MIM that helps hold the metal particles together during shaping and debinding.

Coalescence: The process by which metal particles in the feedstock fuse together during the sintering step to form a solid mass.

Debinding: The process of removing the binder from the shaped component prior to sintering.

Infiltration: A post-sintering process where a second metal is introduced to fill any remaining porous regions in the component to increase its density and strength.

Rheology: The study of how materials flow and deform in response to an applied force.

By the end of the article, readers should have a solid grasp on the fundamental concepts of MIM, as well as a deeper understanding of the terminology used in the industry. The article will also provide a handy reference for professionals working with metal injection molding and anyone interested in pursuing a career in the field.

In summary, this blog post provides a comprehensive glossary of metal injection molding, covering both basic and advanced terms associated with the process. The alphabetical organization and concise explanations make it easier for readers to understand the complex technical language of MIM.

metal injection molding glossary

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.