Features of MIM products:

 

Complexity

 

Like injection molding, MIM has no restrictions on shape design. Since MIM is a molding process, additional product features will not increase costs, which makes MIM an ideal way to combine individual parts into multifunctional products. MIM design rules are very similar to injection molding, so it is applicable to almost all products.

 

Precision

 

The reference design of MIM net shape accuracy is usually ±0.5% of the size. Certain characteristics can reach ±0.3% in net shape. As with other technologies, the higher the accuracy requirements, the higher the cost, so if the quality permits, it is encouraged to relax the tolerance requirements appropriately. Tolerances that cannot be achieved by MIM one-time molding can be achieved with the help of surface treatment.

 

Weight and dimensions

 

MIM is particularly suitable for parts weighing less than 100 grams, and less than 50 grams is the most economical. However, parts weighing up to 250 grams can also be handled. The main cost of MIM process is raw materials, so MIM uses new technology to reduce the weight of parts as much as possible. Like plastic products, the weight of parts can be reduced through the inner core and bracket without affecting the integrity of the product. MIM has outstanding performance in extremely small and micro parts, and weights less than 0.1 grams are also feasible. Weight is not a limiting factor, and products longer than 250mm can also be processed.

 

Thinning

 

Wall thicknesses less than 6 mm are most suitable for MIM. Thicker outer walls are also possible, but the cost will increase due to the long processing time and the addition of additional materials. In addition, extremely thin walls less than 0.5mm can also be achieved for MIM, but there are high requirements for design.

 

Yield

 

MIM is a more flexible process, and the annual demand of several thousand to several million can be realized very economically. Like castings and injection molded parts, MIM requires customers to invest in molds and tooling costs, so for small batches of products, it usually affects cost estimates.

 

raw material

 

MIM can handle many materials, including iron alloys, super alloys, titanium alloys, copper alloys, refractory metals, cemented carbides, ceramics and metal matrix composites. Although non-ferrous alloys of aluminum and copper are technically feasible, they are usually processed by other, more economical methods, such as die-casting or machining.