MIM, Metal Injection Molding, has become a new near-net forming technology that is developing rapidly and most promising in the field of powder metallurgy. It is known as one of the "hottest metal parts forming technologies in the world".
Metal injection molding, referred to as MIM (Metal Injection Molding), is a method of mixing metal powder with a binder for injection molding. It first mixes the selected powder with the binder, then granulates the mixture and then injects it into the required shape. After degreasing and sintering, the binder is removed to obtain the metal product we want, or the product is made more perfect through subsequent shaping, surface treatment, heat treatment, machining, etc.
1. Mixing
In the first step of MIM technology, thermoplastics are used as binders, and fine metal powders are kneaded and heated into a uniform powder mixture according to the required alloy.
2. Raw materials
After granulation, the metal mixture (raw materials) becomes viscous and can now be processed in the injection molding process.
3. Injection molding
At high temperature, the raw materials are injected into a closed mold under high pressure. The mold is first fully filled and then plasticized. The resulting green body has all the geometrical properties of the finished component.
4. Debinding
The cooled green body is now removed from the injection molding machine. The binder is removed again by a two-stage process of thermal or catalytic debinding. This can take up to 24 hours. What remains is a pure metal but still open-porous component, the Bräunling.
5. Sintering
In order to turn the Bräunling into a precision molded component with the required geometry and mechanical properties, it must be sintered at high temperatures. If necessary, the molded component can be further processed.
6. Final inspection
After the MIM process, all our parts undergo a comprehensive visual inspection. All standards and the entire scope of quality control measures are coordinated according to customer requirements.
