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.
| 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 |
Self-developed water-gas combined atomization technology for customized alloy powders
High tap density, low oxygen content
Particle size: 5-20μm
Full material traceability
Proprietary wax-based and plastic-based binder systems
Solvent debinding compatible
High powder loading (~60% volume)
Consistent rheological properties
High-end injection machines for complex geometries
Nissei machines (21 units)
50-300 ton clamping force
High precision, high consistency
Catalytic debinding + high-temperature sintering
98% relative density achieved
Linear shrinkage: 16-18%
German continuous furnace
Precision machining, cleaning, and sterile packaging
CNC machining (9 units)
Ultrasonic cleaning
Sterile packaging for medical
Comprehensive testing and certification
Zeiss CMM, X-Ray inspection
Material testing & analysis
Full traceability system
| 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 |
| 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 |
Based on MPIF Standard 35 - Global MIM Industry Material Specification
| 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 |
| 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 |
Integrated molding of cross holes, internal/external threads without additional processing costs
Reduces assembly processes, eliminates assembly tolerance and loosening issues
Capable of producing micro-precision parts and thin-walled structural components
High material utilization, integrated processes, significant cost advantage for mass production
98% relative density, mechanical properties close to machined parts, excellent surface quality
Covers 9 categories including stainless steel, superalloys, soft magnetic materials, supports customization
Smartphone camera brackets
Foldable phone hinge components
TWS earphone cases
Smart watch crowns
SIM card trays & connectors
Airbag initiator housings
Sensor housings
Transmission gears
Fuel injection nozzles
EV battery connectors
Surgical instruments
Laparoscopic tools
Dental implants
Orthopedic devices
Hearing aid components
Precision gears
Robotic arm components
Hydraulic valves
Tool components
Lock mechanism parts
Turbine blades & nozzle rings
Satellite brackets & connectors
UAV motor housings
Navigation equipment parts
Precision sensor housings
Reducer gears & timing gears
Bearing races & cages
Hydraulic valve bodies
Automation equipment cams
Positioning fixtures
Process capability analysis, real-time monitoring of production stability
Statistical process control, early warning of quality anomalies
Quality data visualization, full visibility of inspection status
Digital work order/equipment/mold management, fully traceable
Partnered with CISRI Testing for authoritative third-party services
Part of China Iron & Steel Research Institute Group, listed company with 70+ years of metallurgy expertise.
Two manufacturing bases (Kunshan, Shenzhen), Shanghai international trade center, serving clients worldwide.
Industry 4.0 smart factory with real-time quality monitoring and full production traceability.
Professional engineering team provides DFM analysis, material selection, and design optimization.
Typical lead time: 8-12 weeks from design to production. Flexible scheduling for urgent orders.
Zero-defect commitment with comprehensive testing and ISO-certified quality management system.
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.
Email: sales1@brm-metal.com
Phone: +86 021 5512 8901
WMobile: +86 19916725892
Email: projects1@brm-metal.com
Phone: +86 021 5512 8902
Available: Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00 CST
• Quote within 24 hours
• DFM analysis within 48 hours
• Sample delivery within 2 weeks