Is MIM Right For You?

Is MIM Right For You?

Most of the time, complexity is never an obstacle for metal injection molding. Not only that, but it also enables us to produce parts in short periods. However, it may not be the right manufacturing method for every component.

Components must meet certain limitations such as weight and size to carry out an economical production. Even though these factors are negligible for metal injection molding, it may not be preferred due to its low-cost policy.

The overall precision of Metal Injection Molding production is considered to be between 3% and 5%. The precision that cannot be achieved after the process is completed can be achieved through various finishing processes.

Parts to be produced with MIM should not weigh more than 250 grams to ensure an economical production. Although it is possible to produce heavier parts, it is challenging to manufacture economically. For some parts, it may be possible to provide an economical cost by reducing parts’ weight where appropriate so you can achieve the maximum benefit of our process.

Not only the weight but the size of a component is also a matter in MIM production. Larger and thicker the parts, the fewer parts that can be placed into the furnace, and the longer the process takes for each batch.

We recommend working with our engineers to optimize your part for the MIM process to be economical.

Thousands or millions of parts can be produced economically and quickly with MIM. However, as it is in standard manufacturing methods, MIM also has mold cost, and it is recommended to consider the mold investments for low-volume parts.

MATERIAL LIST

Material DesignationConditionRp0,2 (Mpa)Rm

(Mpa)

ElongationHardness Density (gr/cm³)Description
FN02(00)Sintered>150>260>20%>45 HRB>7.5Low Alloy – Soft Magnetic
FN08(00)Sintered>210>380>20%>69 HRB>7.6Low Alloy
MIM 316LSintered>140>450>40%>120 HV>7.9Stainless Steel
MIM 304LSintered>180>480>25%>120 HV>7.78Stainless Steel
FeSi3Sintered>500>360>24%>80 HRB>7,45Soft Magnetic
MIM 17-4 PHSintered>660>800>3%>32 HRC>7.65Stainless Steel
MIM 410Stainless Steel
MIM 420Stainless Steel
MIM M4 — — —Tool Steel
FN0205Sintered>255>415>15%>62 HRB>7.55Low Alloy
Heat Treated>700>1100>5% – >3%>48-55 HRC
MIM

100Cr6

Sintered>500>900>5%>97 HRB>7.4Low Alloy

Tool Steel

Heat Treated>60 HRC
MIM

8620

Sintered>400>650>3%>90 HRB>7.4Low Alloy
Heat Treated >58-64 HRC
MIM

8740

Sintered>550>700>14%>92 HRB>7.5Low Alloy
Heat Treated>1600>1665>0,3%>50 HRC
MIM

42CrMo4

Sintered>400>700>3%>71 HRB>7.45Low Alloy
Heat Treated>1250>1450>2%>45 HRC
MIM

4340

Sintered>500>700>11%>71 HRB>7.5Low Alloy
Heat Treated>1400>1620>2%>45 HRC
MIM

16MnCr5

Sintered>320>380>15%>67 HRB>7.4Low Alloy
Heat Treated>600>1050>8%>39 HRC
MIM

S7

Sintered>1550>3%>45 HRC>7.24Tool Steel
Heat Treated>1850>2%>59 HRC
MIM

M2

Sintered>800>1200>1%>50 HRC>7.9Tool Steel
Heat Treated>64 HRC