Metal Injection Molding

TECHNOLOGY:

Design Potential and Practicality

Recently, products such as information technology, electronic and medical device have been downsizing while increasing in complexity and tolerances. In response to this trend Castem started developing MIM methods and technology in 1991. We now manufacture many components which can only be manufactured utilizing MIM. We also have committed to the most technologically advanced quality control and production equipment to ensure we can provide the most economical and quality MIM products to our clients.

Designs

Weight Saving

MIM is unsuitable to make thick-wall parts, however, cost reduction and quality improvement is expected by shape optimization.

Corners

Sharp corners and edges can be formed by MIM.

Draft Angles

Draft angles are not essential for MIM. However in some cases, draft angles can reduce the production cost.

Potential and Practicality

Sizing

Hole diameter (m/m) / Length (m/m)
0.1~0.3 / 10×D
0.3~1 / 20×D
1~3 / 30×D
3~ / 40×D

Insert Molding

Because MIM products have high dimensional accuracy, production cost can be reduced by insert molding with products made of different materials or different processing methods.

Gate Position

Gate position is determined by the shape of the product and the partitioning of the mold.

Process Flow

Let us show you how we can provide excellent quality while reducing costs of you current machined component regardless of volume.

Metal Injection Molding Process Flow

Comparing Strengths

Castems MIM production is superior to conventional machining for many reasons. The graphic below compares the strength of density – Metal Injection density is more than 95% and the mechanical strength is high with independent spherical pores. Whereas traditional sintering is 88% and the mechanical strength is inferior with many pores existing in the grain boundary.

Conventional machining vs metal injection molding

Conventional Machining

  • Design limitations
  • Labor intensive
  • Costly process
  • Significant material waste
  • Low production volumes
  • Multiple set up requires
  • Difficulty to machine internal treads
  • Identification separate step

Potential and Practicality

  • Ideal for complex shapes
  • Highly automated process
  • Lower cost
  • Minimal material waste
  • Easily adapted to low or high production levels
  • Single tool
  • Exterior and interior treads
  • Identification can be moulded in