FAQ for MIM process
Writer： Admin Source： MDM Date：2019-07-15
In recent years, due to the large number of mobile phone parts such card bracket, keys and other adoption of MIM
technology, MIM is no longer a mysterious process.
Product engineers in many other industries are also beginning to understand the unique process of MIM. According to the
previous indo-mim information, I have reorganized some common problems of MIM for you. Of course, these problems are
designed for students who know the MIM technology for the first time. Old masters just ignore it.
1. What is MIM technology?
Full of MIM called metal Injection Moulding, The invention relates to a manufacturing technology integrating plastic
injection molding process and traditional powder metallurgy.
2. How does MIM work?
Fine metal powder is bonded by thermoplastic and adhesive to make a raw materiall, which is actually plastic particles
containing metal powder and adhesive. And then through injection molding, which is familiared to all of us, to form the
preform of the product that we need. It is then processed to remove the binder composition (called degreasing), and finally
the degreased product is heated and sintered in a controlled environment at high temperatures to produce compact metal
parts.
3. Did the metal melt during the molding process?
No, it's only when the adhesive melts that the powder flows like plastic.The cooling adhesive gives the parts a certain
strength.The parts are then degreased and sintered to remove binders and achieve high density and strength to meet the
mechanical requirements.
4. What is the difference between MIM and conventional PM process?
Conventional PM USES high unidirectional pressure to press coarse metal powders into a fixed position to create
moderately complex equipment. In particular, the density was not further improved during sintering. This method produces
a density value of 80-90%, which limits its physical properties as an alloy. Due to the flexibility of the MIM, the
manufacture of complex products is not restricted. The fine metal powder combined with high temperature sintering
enables MIM to produce the final product with high density. This makes MIM products and precision materials have
similar properties.
5. Will the parts shrink during the removal of the adhesive?
No, the volume of the parts does not change during the degreasing process. However, up to 20% deformation at sintering
step.
6. What will be the density and intensity of the MIM?
The typical MIM is theoretically more than 96% dense. The specific density properties depend on the choice of alloy, but in
any case it is close to the precision material.
7. Why use MIM?
MIM has the advantage of producing sophisticated, complex components that are difficult or costly to produce using
traditional machining or casting techniques.
8. What materials can be used for production?
Almost all metal alloys are used in the MIM process.Among the types of materials commonly used in MIM, typical alloys
include high strength steel, nickel stainless steel and superalloys.Other materials processed include refractory alloys,
titanium and copper alloys, low-melting alloys including brass, bronze, zinc and aluminum, but are not economical to use
in the MIM process.
9. What is the best way to achieve MIM benefits?
Application of MIM technology is the best way to realize MIM benefit in the early design stage of product production
cycle.
10. Lead time?
The typical lead time for processing and submitting samples is 5-7 weeks. But according to the specific engineering
requirements can shorten the corresponding delivery cycle.
11. What's the annual output?
Generally speaking, the average annual output of a typical product should exceed 50K.
12. Are there guidelines for defining complexity?
There is no right or wrong. As a rule of thumb, if a drawing has more than 20 dimensions, it fits into a good MIM part.
13. Are there restrictions?
Like any other technology, the MIM technology has its limitations, limiting the maximum weight of a product to 300 grams
(generally no more than 50 grams, economically speaking).Certain geometric characteristics are also problematic (super-
thick or ultra-thin sections).In recent years, the progress of the process makes the maximum weight of MIM products
constantly breakthrough.
14. What tolerances will be made?
The typical MIM tolerance is 0.3 to 0.5 percent. However, tolerances largely depend on the geometry of the product.
Exceeding MIM technical tolerances can be achieved by post machining.
15. What equipment is used in the process?
MIM process mainly USES the following equipment: MIM mixing & granulation equipment, MIM injection molding
equipment, MIM degreasing furnace, MIM sintering furnace, MIM post-processing equipments.
16. Can the MIM be electroplated by thermal or electroplating?
Yes, MIM parts and components can be heat treated, electroplated, machined, forged,
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