Metal Injection Molding Design Guidelines

Metal Injection Molding Design Guidelines

Metal injection molding is a broadly used production technique for different industries such as medical, automotive, electronics, aerospace, industrial, and more. Through metal injection molding, we can create different products such as sporting gear, surgical instruments, fiber optic connectors, and more. Here in MIMO, we provide customized MIM solutions to meet every customer’s requirements.

Characteristics of Metal Injection Molded Parts

Complexity of Design

Metal injection molding allows us to create different components with design freedom. Through MIM technology, we are able to produce a wide range of parts with limitless shapes and features that are cost-effective. Therefore, you can assure a multi-functional component.

High Precision

A component manufactured through metal injection molding has a ± 0.5% net-shaped feature. However, there are also MIM parts that as ± 0.3% net shape dimension. Higher precision MIM components tend to have a higher cost. Therefore, tolerance relaxation is highly recommended. To achieve tight tolerance, post-processing or finishing may be required.

Materials

There are various materials that are used for the metal injection molding process. It includes the following materials:

• Cemented carbides

• Titanium

• Ferrous alloys

• Ceramics

• Aluminum

• Stainless steel and more

Section and Thickness

The metal injection molding process is usually used for producing different parts with less than 6mm wall thickness. Thicker wall components are also possible with the MIM process. However, it requires additional materials and a longer process.

Size and Weight

Metal injection molding is a suitable process for manufacturing different parts with less than 100 grams of weight. Less than 50 grams or more than 250 grams components are also possible with the MIM process.

Production Volume

Since metal injection molding is a scalable process, therefore, producing a thousand parts with low volume is possible.

Advantages of Metal Injection Molding Machining

Metal Injection Molding machining, also known as Powder Metal Molding, offers many advantages over traditional metal fabrication methods such as stamping,CNC and laser cutting. These benefits include:

• Speed of production

• Flexibility of complex part geometries

• Repeatability (from prototype to production)

• Cost-effectiveness

Compared to other fabrication methods, tooling costs are especially low.

Still Can't Decide?

Are you unsure whether Metal Injection Molding machining is right for your project? Check out this resource provided by the Harber Industrial, for a more in-depth look at the benefits of our MIM process. Click HERE.