Metal Injection Molding in Germeny (Gmbh) | MIM Process
What is Metal Injection Molding?
MIM is a technology ideal for manufacturing complex, high-precision parts in a cost-effective manner, primarily used for mass production. Metal powders and a binder system are mixed and pelletized into feedstock, which is then molded and sintered into solid shapes.
MIM allows for the use of various materials, and the density achieved after sintering provides high-performance properties. Due to its advantageous combination of complex shapes, competitive costs, and excellent properties, MIM components are widely used in applications such as automotive, general industry, tooling, medical, dental, aerospace, IT/mobile phones, and luxury goods.
This process technology is also known as powder injection molding (PIM) or metal powder injection molding, and it covers the mass production of parts made from either metal (MIM) or ceramics (ceramic injection molding)
Metal injection molding in Germany – ideal for producing small, intricate MIM parts in German (Gmbh)
The key advantage of metal injection molding (MIM) is its capability to produce complex components in a single process while yielding high-strength, precision metal parts. The components produced through MIM achieve precise dimensions and shapes, making it easy to incorporate undercuts, drill holes, cross holes, threads, lamellas, and even relief-like structures and engravings (e.g., logos, item numbers).
The MIM process enables cost-effective production of highly durable parts with consistent quality, suitable 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 with stringent precision requirements. We provide metal injection molding (MIM) parts in Germany.
How MIM Works?
Let’s Discuss Your Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Needs With Us
Metal Injection Molding | MIM process in Germany
Molding
Injection Molding follows a similar process and uses the same machinery as Plastic Injection Molding. In this process, pelletized feedstock (metal injection molding materials) is fed into an injection molding machine, where it is heated and injected under high pressure into a mold cavity.
This creates a “green part” that cools before being ejected from the mold, allowing the cycle to begin again. Since only the binders are intended to melt (facilitating the transport of metal powders), the process occurs at around 200°C.
Molds can have multiple cavities to increase production rates. To accommodate the shrinkage that occurs during sintering, the mold cavity is designed to be approximately 20% larger. This shrinkage rate is precisely calculated for each type of material used.
Debinding
After Injection Molding, the formed part moves 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.
Usually carried out in multiple stages, the process eliminates the majority of the binder before sintering, leaving just enough to ensure the parts can be safely handled into the sintering furnace.
Binder removal is accomplished using various techniques, with solvent extraction being one of the most common. After 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 positioned in a sintering furnace capable of reaching high temperatures and maintaining controlled atmospheres. Inside the furnace, the “brown” parts are gradually heated in a protective environment to remove any remaining binders.
Once the binders are vaporized, the temperature is further increased, causing the metal particles to fuse together as the spaces between them disappear. This process results in the part uniformly shrinking to its final dimensions, forming a dense, solid structure.
The density of the sintered parts usually exceeds 97% of the theoretical density for most materials, giving the finished product properties comparable to those of wrought materials.
Features of the MIM process
- Economical production of highly complex components in large-scale manufacturing
- Cost-effective production of high-volume parts.
- Utilization of high-strength metallic materials and stainless steels with high sintering density.
- Minimized material waste and high reusability.
- Reduction of costly assembly processes.
- Threads incorporated directly into the master mold.
- Precise reproduction 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.
Advantages Of MIM process
Strength and Tensile Properties
Stainless steel is recommended for exceptionally strong and corrosion-resistant components.
Durability and Strength
Low-alloy steel produces extremely hard components, making it ideal for mechanically demanding applications.
Fatigue Resistance and Toughness
Heat-treated steel is an ideal material for components that require both high fatigue strength and toughness.
Why do customers rely on metal injection molding parts from Meta Build Industries?
Meta Build Industries boasts an in-house tool design department, allowing us to cater precisely to the unique needs of each customer. Our skilled molding and tool-making team excels in planning and designing small, technical parts. Your MIM components are meticulously finished in cutting-edge machining centers, ensuring complete and precise final machining.
With extensive experience in manufacturing injection molding parts, we understand the complexities of the MIM process. We thoroughly evaluate every new order to develop the ideal customized solution. Our production process is not only economical and safe but also resource-efficient and highly adaptable.
Metal Injection Molding Manufacturer in Germany
Meta Build Industries has consistently demanded high precision in the components used for manufacturing durable mechanical parts.
This expertise extends to Meta Build Industries’ own product portfolio, which benefits from our extensive experience. Numerous customers across diverse industries, including medicine, hand and power tools, aerospace, defense, sensor technology, and locking technology, trust the consistently high quality of our metal injection molding services in Germany.
Meta Build Industries is the preferred choice for engineers seeking a manufacturer of injection-molded parts when innovative precision components are needed to address technical challenges.