| What is Metal Injection Molding? | | | | cross-linking, the de bound green part is exposed to |
| Metal injection molding is a powder metallurgy | | | | ultraviolet light which thermo sets the binding agents |
| process used for manufacturing metal parts. Although | | | | used with the metal powders. |
| metal injection molding uses powder metal, it is | | | | Once the de binding stage has been completed, the |
| nothing like conventional powder metal processing. | | | | part is placed into a furnace and heated to over |
| The metal powders used in metal injection molding | | | | 2000 degree Fahrenheit. This process, called sintering, |
| are 10-100 times smaller than in powder metal | | | | fuses the metal parts into a solid shape. Finally, the |
| processes. Also, the end product of metal injection | | | | sintered piece is sent to a finished stage where burrs |
| molding is much higher in density. Metal injection | | | | and surface imperfections are removed and the |
| molding offers the same benefits and features as | | | | finished part can be shipped. |
| plastic and rubber molding, but produces a much | | | | Advantages of Metal Injection Molding |
| stronger end product. Applications for metal injection | | | | - High Shape Complexity |
| molding parts include surgical tools, automotive locks | | | | - Low Cost |
| and actuators, firearm components, computer hard | | | | - Tight Tolerances |
| disk drives and electrical connectors. | | | | - High Density |
| Process of Metal Injection Molding | | | | - High Performance |
| Metal injection molding is a fast growing | | | | Uses of Metal Injection Molding |
| manufacturing method that bridges the gap between | | | | The technology excels at applications that require |
| the technology up gradation and costs involved. The | | | | shape complexity and high final properties, such as |
| metal injection molding process involves five steps, | | | | high strength and density, excellent magnetic |
| mixing, injection molding, de binding, sintering, and part | | | | permeability, high temperature strength, corrosion |
| finishing. | | | | resistance, and thermal conductivity in applications |
| In the mixing step, metallic powders, selected for | | | | that cannot be fulfilled by plastics or light metal alloys. |
| their strengths and inherent abilities such as impact | | | | Metal injection molding is thus best for some of the |
| strength, high and low temperature characteristics, | | | | following uses viz. making of microelectronic |
| wear resistance characteristics, machine ability, and | | | | packaging, automotive sensors and actuators, hand |
| hardness, are mixed, often with a binding agent. By | | | | tools and hardware, computer heat dissipation |
| mixing powders, the goal is to create a composite | | | | devices, oil well drilling tools, aerospace and engine |
| with the strengths and benefits of all the | | | | fuel components. |
| incorporated metals, while offsetting the independent | | | | To Sum Up |
| weaknesses. | | | | Metal injection molding can provide a substantial cost |
| Once the powders are mixed, a "feedstock" is | | | | savings over conventional metal machining options. |
| produced. This feedstock is injected into molds in the | | | | Metal injection molding parts have high densities and |
| same way that plastic or rubber injection molding is | | | | mechanical properties approaching those of forged or |
| performed. The part that emerges from the injection | | | | machined components. Metal injection molding |
| molding stage is referred to as a "green" part. | | | | process can produce more complex parts than either |
| In the de binding stage of metal injection molding, the | | | | investment casting or traditional press and sinter |
| green part is immersed in a water bath to remove | | | | techniques. |
| the binder, which has entered into the part matrix. In | | | | |