Metal Injection Moulding

Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) is a powder metallurgy process used to produce small complex components.

A batch of metal powder mixed with a special binder, is heated and injected into a rigid mould cavity. Once the part is released from the mould, the binder is removed by either a solvent or thermal process. Finally the part is sintered in a furnace to achieve near full density, typically >95% dense and with a high degree of dimensional accuracy.

MIM has a wide area of applications which include, radial rotors, turbocharger rotors, automotive parts, surgical tweezers, gas manifolds, jet engine levers, fuel nozzles, watch cases, jewellery etc.

Solid state processing nature gives MIM parts mechanical properties and chemical uniformity comparable and even superior to the parts manufactured via the more conventional routes. MIM opens up a whole new set of uses for alloys previously seen as difficult to machine, non-castable or unable to be forged. This is especially true for high temperature alloys used in turbine components.

Our vacuum sintering furnace makes it possible to process just about any type of metal powder. Combined with the ability to manufacture toolsets, we can offer a complete development programme.