Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

Process:

Feedstock Preparation: Fine metal powder (e.g., stainless steel, titanium) is mixed with a polymer binder to create a moldable feedstock.

Injection Molding: The feedstock is injected into a mold cavity under high pressure, forming a "green part" with the desired shape.

Debinding: The binder is removed through thermal or chemical processes, leaving a porous "brown part."

Sintering: The brown part is heated in a furnace (near the metal’s melting point) to fuse the metal particles, resulting in a dense, solid part.

Post-Processing: Additional steps like machining, polishing, or coating refine the part’s dimensions or surface quality.

Materials: Stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, low-alloy steels, cobalt-chrome, and nickel alloys.

Advantages:

High Precision: Achieves tolerances as tight as ±0.3% for small, complex parts.

Complex Geometries: Produces intricate shapes (e.g., internal channels, thin walls) that are difficult with CNC machining or casting.

High Volume: Cost-effective for medium to high production runs (thousands to millions of parts).

Material Efficiency: Minimal waste compared to subtractive methods.

Limitations:

High Tooling Costs: Expensive molds make MIM less viable for low volumes.

Size Constraints: Best for small parts (typically under 100 grams or a few inches).

Lead Time: Tooling and setup take longer than 3D printing or CNC for prototypes.

Shrinkage: Parts shrink 15–25% during sintering, requiring precise design adjustments.

Applications:

Prototyping: Small, complex metal prototypes for medical or aerospace testing.

Production: High-volume parts like surgical tools, firearm components, watch parts, and electronic connectors.