Metal Injection Molding Process

Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

While polymer injection molding traces its roots to the mid-1800s, and powder metal back as early as 3000 BC, Metal Injection Molding was not a practical process until the late 1970’s. The refinement of precision molding equipment rapidly advanced the commercial viability of MIM.

Metal powders that are ten times finer than those used for conventional PM components are mixed with thermoplastic resins to create MIM powder. Shrinkage occurs as binders are removed and metallurgical bonds are produced. Achieving near theoretical densities, this process produces exceptional physical properties.