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Unlocking the Potential of Metal Injection Molding Properties: A Comprehensive Guide

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a highly versatile and cost-efficient manufacturing process that produces precision parts made of metal powders. It combines the benefits of traditional injection molding with the superior properties of metal materials, delivering parts with superior strength, durability, and dimensional accuracy. In this blog post, we will provide a thorough overview of metal injection molding properties, exploring the key factors that influence the performance of MIM parts and how to optimize them for specific applications.

1. Material Properties of Metal Powders

The properties of metal powders used in MIM play a critical role in determining the properties of the final part. The size, shape, and composition of metal particles affect the density, flowability, and sintering behavior of the powder material. In addition, impurities such as oxygen and carbon can have a significant impact on the mechanical properties and surface finish of the MIM part. We will discuss these material properties in detail, including how they are measured and optimized for MIM production.

2. Processing Parameters and Their Impact

Metal injection molding involves a series of complex processing steps, including powder mixing, injection molding, debinding, and sintering. Each step has its unique processing parameters, such as temperature, time, pressure, and atmosphere, that must be carefully controlled to achieve the desired properties of the final part. We will examine how each processing parameter affects the MIM part's properties and how to optimize them for different materials and geometries.

3. Design Considerations for MIM Parts

MIM offers design freedom and flexibility for complex-shaped parts that are difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional machining or casting methods. However, to fully leverage the advantages of metal injection molding, it is essential to follow specific design rules and guidelines. We will discuss the key factors to consider when designing MIM parts, such as gate location, wall thickness, draft angle, and undercuts. We will also provide design examples and case studies to illustrate the design concepts.

4. Surface Finishing and Secondary Operations

MIM parts typically require post-processing operations to achieve the desired surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and functional features. These operations may include machining, polishing, plating, and heat treatment, among others. We will explore the various surface finishing and secondary operations for MIM parts, the benefits and limitations of each technique, and how to integrate them into the MIM production process effectively.

By the end of this blog post, you will understand the fundamentals of metal injection molding properties and appreciate how they drive the performance of MIM parts. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions on material selection, processing parameters, and design considerations to optimize your MIM parts' properties.

metal injection molding properties

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.