Metal Injection Molding in Austria | MIM Process
What is Metal Injection Molding?
MIM is a technology that excels in manufacturing complex, high-precision parts in a cost-effective way, particularly suited for mass production. Metal powders are combined with a binder system, pelletized into feedstock, and then molded and sintered into solid shapes.
MIM supports a variety of materials, with sintering achieving densities that offer high-performance properties. Its ability to produce intricate shapes at competitive costs with excellent properties makes MIM components ideal for applications in automotive, general industry, tooling, medical, dental, aerospace, IT/mobile phones, and luxury goods.
This technology, also known as powder injection molding (PIM) or metal injection molding, is used for the mass production of parts made from either metal (MIM) or ceramics (ceramic injection molding)
Metal injection molding in Austria – Perfect for manufacturing small, intricate MIM parts in Austria
The primary advantage of ƒ (MIM) lies in its ability to produce complex components in a single process while delivering high-strength, precision metal parts. Components made through MIM achieve accurate dimensions and shapes, allowing for the easy integration of features such as undercuts, drill holes, cross holes, threads, lamellas, and even relief-like structures and engravings.
The MIM process facilitates the cost-effective production of highly durable parts with consistent quality, making it ideal for a wide range of applications due to its precise control over the properties of the finished components.
Meta Build Industries specializes in the MIM process for small, technical components that require demanding precision. Meta Build Industries provides metal injection molding (MIM) parts in Austria.
How MIM Works?
Let’s Discuss Your Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Needs With Us
Metal Injection Molding | MIM process in Austria
Molding
Injection Molding uses a process similar to Plastic Injection Molding and operates with the same machinery. In this method, pelletized feedstock (metal injection molding materials) is loaded into an injection molding machine, where it is heated and injected under high pressure into a mold cavity.
This process forms a “green part,” which cools before being ejected from the mold, allowing the cycle to start again. Since only the binders are meant to melt (facilitating the transport of metal powders), the process takes place at around 200°C.
Molds may have multiple cavities to boost production rates. To account for the shrinkage that occurs during sintering, the mold cavity is designed to be roughly 20% larger. This shrinkage rate is precisely calculated for each specific material used.
Debinding
After Injection Molding, the formed part advances to the next stage, known as the De-binding process. This step involves removing the binder materials from the molded Metal Injection Molding (MIM) part.
Typically conducted in multiple stages, the process removes the majority of the binder before sintering, leaving just enough to ensure the parts can be safely handled during the transfer to the sintering furnace.
Binder removal is achieved through various techniques, with solvent extraction being one of the most common methods. Following de-binding, the part becomes semi-porous, allowing any remaining binder to escape during the sintering phase.
Sintering
The parts are placed on ceramic setters and then moved into a sintering furnace that can reach high temperatures and maintain controlled atmospheres. Inside the furnace, the “brown” parts are gradually heated in a protective environment to eliminate any remaining binders.
After the binders are vaporized, the temperature is further increased, causing the metal particles to fuse as the gaps between them close. This process results in the part uniformly shrinking to its final dimensions, forming a dense, solid structure.
The density of the sintered parts typically exceeds 97% of the theoretical density for most materials, giving the finished product properties similar to those of wrought materials.
Features of the MIM process
- Cost-effective production of highly complex components in large-scale manufacturing.
- Economical production of high-volume parts.
- Use of high-strength metallic materials and stainless steels with high sintering density.
- Reduced material waste and enhanced reusability.
- Minimization of expensive assembly processes.
- Threads integrated directly into the master mold.
- Accurate replication of intricate geometries, lettering, reliefs, and structures.
Features of Meta Build Industries
- In-house tool design.
- In-house mold and tool manufacturing.
- Extensive experience in parts production.
- Mold flow analysis.
Features of the MIM process
Strength and Tensile Properties
Stainless steel is advised for components that require exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
Durability and Strength
Low-alloy steel creates exceptionally hard components, making it perfect for mechanically demanding applications.
Fatigue Resistance and Toughness
Heat-treated steel is an excellent choice for components that demand both high fatigue strength and toughness.
Why do Austria customers rely on metal injection molding parts from Meta Build Industries?
Meta Build Industries features an in-house tool design department, enabling us to tailor solutions precisely to each customer’s unique requirements. Our expert molding and tool-making team specializes in the planning and design of small, technical parts. Your MIM components are meticulously finished in state-of-the-art machining centers, ensuring accurate and complete final machining.
With extensive experience in manufacturing injection molding parts, we have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in the MIM process. We thoroughly assess every new order to develop the ideal customized solution. Our production process is not only cost-effective and safe but also resource-efficient and highly adaptable.
Metal Injection Molding Supplier in Austria
Meta Build Industries has always required high precision in the components used for manufacturing durable mechanical parts.
This expertise is reflected in our own product portfolio, which draws on our extensive experience. Customers from various industries, including medicine, hand and power tools, aerospace, defense, sensor technology, and locking technology, rely on the consistently high quality of our metal injection molding services.
Meta Build Industries is the top choice for engineers in Austria who seek a manufacturer of metal injection-molded parts in Austria when innovative precision components are needed to tackle technical challenges.