01 What is MIM?
Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
Metal Injection Molding is an advanced manufacturing process that combines the design flexibility of plastic injection molding with the material properties of metal. It involves mixing micron-sized metal powders with organic binders to create a feedstock that is injected into complex molds, then debinded and sintered to achieve near-net-shape metal components.
MIM is recognized as "the most promising component forming technology of the 21st century" - enabling production of complex, high-precision metal parts at scale.
MIM vs Traditional Manufacturing
| Characteristic | MIM | Powder Metallurgy | Casting | Machining |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relative Density | 98% | 90% | 95-99% | 100% |
| Strength | 98% | 70% | 98% | 100% |
| Complexity | High | Low | Medium | High |
| Design Flexibility | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Cost (High Volume) | Low | Low | Medium | High |
| Surface Finish (μm) | Ra 0.8-1.4 | Ra 2 | Ra 3 | Ra 0.4-2 |
| Volume Suitability | High | High | Low | Low |
| Material Range | Wide | Medium | Medium | Medium |
02 Manufacturing Process
1. Powder Preparation
Self-developed water-gas combined atomization technology for customized alloy powders
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High tap density, low oxygen content
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Particle size: 5-20μm
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Full material traceability
2. Feedstock Mixing
Proprietary wax-based and plastic-based binder systems
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Solvent debinding compatible
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High powder loading (~60% volume)
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Consistent rheological properties
3. Injection Molding
High-end injection machines for complex geometries
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Nissei machines (21 units)
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50-300 ton clamping force
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High precision, high consistency
4. Debinding & Sintering
Catalytic debinding + high-temperature sintering
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98% relative density achieved
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Linear shrinkage: 16-18%
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German continuous furnace
5. Secondary Processing
Precision machining, cleaning, and sterile packaging
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CNC machining (9 units)
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Ultrasonic cleaning
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Sterile packaging for medical
6. Quality Inspection
Comprehensive testing and certification
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Zeiss CMM, X-Ray inspection
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Material testing & analysis
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Full traceability system
03 Part Capabilities
Part Characteristics
| Feature | Optimal Range | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.1 - 50g | 0.01g | 240g |
| Wall Thickness | 0.5 - 5mm | 0.1mm | 10mm |
| Minimum Hole | > φ0.5mm | φ0.3mm | - |
| Dimension | 0.5 - 20mm | 0.2mm | 150mm |
| Annual Volume | > 100K | 5,000 | Millions |
Tolerance & Surface Finish
| Dimension (mm) | Standard Tolerance (mm) | Flatness (mm) | Draft Angle | Surface Roughness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 5 | ±0.05 | ±0.03 | 0 - 1° | Ra 0.8 - 1.4μm |
| 5 - 10 | ±0.07 | ±0.05 | ||
| 10 - 20 | ±0.10 | ±0.10 | ||
| 20 - 50 | ±0.30 | ±0.20 | ||
| 50 - 100 | ±0.50 | ±0.20 |
04 Material Systems
Based on MPIF Standard 35 - Global MIM Industry Material Specification
Stainless Steel Properties
| Material | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304L Austenitic | 480~620 | 170~310 | 30 | 65~92 HRB |
| 316L Austenitic | 480~515 | 170 | 35~50 | 65~95 HRB |
| 420 Martensitic | 1720~1750 | 1480~1560 | 2~8 | 52 HRC |
| 440C Martensitic | 1670~1970 | 1615~1900 | 2 | 55~57 HRC |
| 17-4PH Precipitation | 1170~1185 | 1070~1090 | 6 ~10 | 33~45 HRC |
Material Selection by Application
| Industry | Recommended Materials | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Electronics | 304L, 316L, Fe-2Ni | Cost-effective, good corrosion resistance, excellent surface finish |
| Medical Devices | 316L, Ti-6Al-4V, CoCrMo, 17-4PH | Biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, high strength |
| Automotive Safety | 17-4PH, 4605, Fe-8Ni | High strength, high reliability, cost-effective |
| Aerospace | Ti-6Al-4V, 17-4PH, 316L | Lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio |
| Industrial Tools | 420J2, 440C, 17-4PH | High hardness, wear resistance |
05 MIM Technology Advantages
Complex Shape Flexibility
Integrated molding of cross holes, internal/external threads without additional processing costs
Multi-Part Integration
Reduces assembly processes, eliminates assembly tolerance and loosening issues
Breakthrough Traditional Limits
Capable of producing micro-precision parts and thin-walled structural components
Significant Cost Advantage
High material utilization, integrated processes, significant cost advantage for mass production
Excellent Mechanical Properties
98% relative density, mechanical properties close to machined parts, excellent surface quality
Wide Material Range
Covers 9 categories including stainless steel, superalloys, soft magnetic materials, supports customization
06 Production & Inspection
Core Production Equipment
Quality Inspection Equipment
07 Industry Applications
Consumer Electronics
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Smartphone camera brackets
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Foldable phone hinge components
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TWS earphone cases
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Smart watch crowns
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SIM card trays & connectors
Automotive
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Airbag initiator housings
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Sensor housings
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Transmission gears
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Fuel injection nozzles
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EV battery connectors
Medical Devices
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Surgical instruments
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Laparoscopic tools
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Dental implants
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Orthopedic devices
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Hearing aid components
Industrial Tools
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Precision gears
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Robotic arm components
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Hydraulic valves
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Tool components
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Lock mechanism parts
Aerospace
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Turbine blades & nozzle rings
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Satellite brackets & connectors
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UAV motor housings
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Navigation equipment parts
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Precision sensor housings
Mechanical Parts
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Reducer gears & timing gears
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Bearing races & cages
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Hydraulic valve bodies
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Automation equipment cams
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Positioning fixtures
08 Quality Management
Digital Quality Control System
CPK Analysis
Process capability analysis, real-time monitoring of production stability
SPC Control
Statistical process control, early warning of quality anomalies
Real-time Dashboard
Quality data visualization, full visibility of inspection status
Full Traceability
Digital work order/equipment/mold management, fully traceable
Third-Party Testing
Partnered with CISRI Testing for authoritative third-party services
09 Why Choose BR Metal?
Industry Leader
Part of China Iron & Steel Research Institute Group, listed company with 70+ years of metallurgy expertise.
Global Presence
Two manufacturing bases (Kunshan, Shenzhen), Shanghai international trade center, serving clients worldwide.
Digital Manufacturing
Industry 4.0 smart factory with real-time quality monitoring and full production traceability.
Technical Support
Professional engineering team provides DFM analysis, material selection, and design optimization.
Fast Delivery
Typical lead time: 8-12 weeks from design to production. Flexible scheduling for urgent orders.
Quality Assurance
Zero-defect commitment with comprehensive testing and ISO-certified quality management system.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whether you're looking for high-volume production of precision components or need custom MIM solutions, our team of experts is ready to assist you. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and receive a personalized quote.
10 Get A Quote
Sales Inquiry
Email: sales1@brm-metal.com
Phone: +86 021 5512 8901
WMobile: +86 19916725892
Technical Support
Email: projects1@brm-metal.com
Phone: +86 021 5512 8902
Available: Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00 CST
Quick Response
• Quote within 24 hours
• DFM analysis within 48 hours
• Sample delivery within 2 weeks