What is MIM processing method?

MIM stands for Metal Injection Molding.
It is an advanced manufacturing process that combines the design flexibility of plastic injection molding with the near net forming capability of powder metallurgy. Simply put, it is like "using metal powder as raw material and injection molding like plastic".

Introduction to MIM process flow:
1. Mixing: Mix very fine metal powder (usually less than 20 microns) evenly with specific binders (plastic and wax) to create a rheological "feed".
2. Injection molding: After heating the feed, it is injected into the mold cavity to form the "green body" of the part. This step is almost the same as plastic injection molding, which can be quickly and complex molded.
3. Degreasing: By heating or solvent extraction, most of the binder in the green body is removed, resulting in a loosely structured but intact "brown body".
4. Sintering: Sintering the brown body under high temperature and protective atmosphere (such as hydrogen, vacuum). Metal particles will fuse together, and the parts will shrink (with a predictable and uniform shrinkage rate, usually 15-20%), reaching a final metal part close to the theoretical density.
5. Post processing: CNC precision machining, heat treatment, polishing, electroplating and other subsequent processes can be carried out as needed.

The above is Jia Yi Technology Co., Ltd.'s professional explanation of MIM. However, few factories can currently master this advanced technology, and most Chinese CNC machining manufacturers are proficient in traditional CNC processing and sheet metal processing. This new technology poses a great challenge for them. But we always believe that black cats and white cats that catch mice are good cats.
If you only need small batch customization, then you can choose CNC, which is the most traditional and reliable way. If your demand is huge and your CNC machining parts or sheet metal parts are not that complex, it is recommended that you choose MIM to control costs and save time.