MIM-Verfahren

MIM stands for Metal Injection Molding. It is a manufacturing process that combines the advantages of plastic injection molding technology with metal processing.

MIM enables the production of complex, precise metal parts by injecting a mixture of metal powder and plastic into a mold. After injection molding, the binder is removed and the component is sintered, giving it its final strength.

MIM is particularly suitable for small, high-precision metal parts in medical technology, the automotive industry, aviation and electronics.

The metal injection molding (MIM) process is particularly suitable for complex, small-format metal parts with high precision. Typical areas of application and classic components that are produced using the MIM process include:

• Automotive industry
  • Gear wheels & gears
  • Valve parts
  • Injection system components
  • Sensor and actuator housings
  • Shift and clutch components
• Medical technology
  • Surgical instruments (e.g. forceps, scissors)
  • Minimally invasive surgical tools
  • Dental implant components
  • Endoscopic components
• Watch and jewelry industry
  • High-precision watch movements & gear wheels
  • Clasps for bracelets
  • Decorative metal parts with complex designs
• Aerospace industry
  • Small components for jet engines
  • Structural components with high temperature resistance
  • Sensor housings
• Electronics & telecommunications
  • Smartphone & laptop housings
  • Connectors & contact pins
  • Heat sinks
• Weapons and security industry
  • trigger mechanisms
  • Locking systems
  • Safety elements

MIM is particularly suitable for components that require high strength, complicated geometries and fine structures. It is particularly advantageous for large quantities, as it is more cost-efficient than machining production processes.

The MIM process (Metal Injection Molding) offers numerous advantages:

• High design freedom - complex geometries, thin walls, functional integration.
• Excellent material properties - high strength, density (95-98%), variety of materials (stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, etc.).
• High precision - Tight tolerances (approx. +/- 0.3 % of nominal dimension), hardly any reworking necessary.
• Efficient mass production - Cost-saving, low material loss, ideal for high quantities.
• High-quality surfaces - Fine structures, low roughness (Ra 3.2 µm).
• Sustainability - Material recycling & energy-efficient production.
• Perfect for small & delicate components - Ideal for medical technology, automotive & electronics.

MIM combines the design freedom of injection molding with the strength of metal - ideal for precise, complex components in series production. 

The MIM process (Metal Injection Molding) differs from CNC machining and casting in several aspects. Here are the most important differences:

• Geometric complexity
  • MIM: Enables highly complex shapes, undercuts and thin-walled structures without additional machining.
  • CNC: Limited design freedom, complex shapes require additional machining steps.
  • Casting: Good variety of shapes, but not as precise as MIM and often involves post-processing.
• Precision & tolerances
  • MIM: High dimensional accuracy, often no post-processing required.
  • CNC: Extremely high precision (down to the micrometer range), ideal for individual parts and small batches.
  • Casting: Lower dimensional accuracy, often requires post-processing.
• Material selection & properties
  • MIM: High density, very good mechanical properties comparable to rolled or forged metal.
  • CNC: Uses solid metal blocks, therefore best material properties, but high material loss.
  • Casting: Can be more brittle (pores, shrinkage cavities), mechanical properties often worse than MIM.
• Cost-effectiveness & series production
  • MIM: Particularly cost-effective for large quantities (series production).
  • CNC: High costs for large quantities, but ideal for individual parts and prototypes.
  • Casting: Suitable for large components and high quantities, but often associated with post-processing costs.
• Sustainability & material efficiency
  • MIM: Very low material loss as metal powder can be reused.
  • CNC: High material loss due to chip removal.
  • Casting: Material utilization better than CNC, but not as efficient as MIM.

Conclusion:

• MIM is suitable for small, complex components in large quantities.
• CNC machining is ideal for high-precision individual parts & small batches.
• Casting is advantageous for large, less complex components.

The metal injection molding (MIM) process is used in many industries, especially where complex, precise and high-strength metal components are required in large quantities.

• Automotive industry
  • Gear wheels, transmission gears, clutch parts
  • Injection systems, sensor & actuator housings
  • Lock mechanisms, electrical contacts
• Medical technology
  • Surgical instruments (forceps, scissors)
  • Minimally invasive surgical tools
  • Dental implants & orthodontic components
• Aerospace
  • Small components for engines & turbines
  • Structural components with high temperature resistance
  • Sensor & actuator housings
• Watch & jewelry industry
  • Precise watch movements, gear wheels, springs
  • High-quality housings & bracelet clasps
  • Decorative metal elements
• Electronics & telecommunications
  • Connectors, electrical contacts
  • Heat sinks for microchips
  • Smartphone & laptop housings
• Weapons & security industry
  • Trigger mechanisms, safety elements
  • Housings for optical & electronic target systems
• Industrial applications
  • Cutting tools, knives & blades
  • Pump parts, valves, bearings
  • High-precision mechanical components

MIM is particularly attractive for industries that require small, complex and heavy-duty metal parts in large quantities and with high precision.