Metal Injection Molding (MIM): Parts and Components

Metal Injection Molding Powders Metal Parts and Components Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a process that combines the benefits and unique material possibilities of metal powder processing and the shape complexity possible with plastic injection molding.

In this process spherical or semi-rounded metal powder is combined with a melted thermoplastic binder, extruded and cooled to form feedstock pellets which are then used in a plastic injection molding machine to form complex shapes. Also MIM parts have superior mechanical and corrosion properties compared to conventional powdered metal parts.

Bronze Powdered Metal Parts and Components Many unique and/or difficult to process materials (using conventional manufacturing techniques such as machining) are possible with Metal Injection Molding without an increased level of difficulty. Examples include materials such as tungsten carbide, tungsten heavy alloys, other refractory materials, and tool steels. In parts where extensive machining would have been used, especially when combined with costly materials or high hardness can realize significant cost savings over machining due to the net shape or near net shape forming process possible with injection molding.

MIM Materials

MIM 4605 HT
- Tensile Strength 240,000PSI
- Yield Strength 215,000PSI
- Elongation 2% per inch
- Apparent Hardness HRC 48
- Recommendations: Soft magnetic material used in applications requiring high magnetic output at lowest cost such as for cores and solenoids. Also used in low to moderately stressed components such as firearms sights.
MIM-2200
- Tensile Strength 48,000PSI
- Yield Strength 26,000PSI
- Elongation 31% per inch
- Apparent Hardness HRC 44
- Recommendations: Conforms to MPIF MIM-2200 (Formerly MIM-4600). Readily case hardened to 50-60 HRC equivalent hardness. Used for components in firearms, automotive transmissions and steering columns, and computers. MPIF MIM-4650 material is also available.
MIM-2700
- Tensile Strength 97,000PSI
- Yield Strength 74,000PSI
- Elongation 8% per inch
- Apparent Hardness HRC 84
- Recommendations: Conforms to MPIF MIM-2700. Readily case hardened to 50-60 HRC equivalent hardness. Used for components in firearms, automotive transmissions and steering columns, and computers.
MIM-Fe-50% Ni
- Tensile Strength 60,000PSI
- Yield Strength 24,000PSI
- Elongation 20% per inch
- Apparent Hardness HRC 55
- Recommendations: Soft magnetic material used for applications requiring high permeability and rapid magnetic response such as valve actuators, torque motors and relays.
MIM-Fe-5%Mo
- Tensile Strength 59,000PSI
- Yield Strength 31,000PSI
- Elongation 34% per inch
- Apparent Hardness HRC 66
- Recommendations: Soft magnetic material used for DC applications requiring a combination of high magnetic output and very good mechanical properties.