FAQ
2. Is MIM PMP’s core business?
3. What materials can PMP process?
4. How do the strength properties compare to the wrought material?
5. What is the average density of MIM parts produced at PMP?
6. What are the industries PMP serves?
7. Does PMP have mold making capabilities in-house?
8.What are the minimum volumes viable for MIM?
9. Does PMP have its own feedstock?
10. What Quality Standards does PMP apply?
11. Does PMP offer design consultation?
12. What is typical lead time for the first article?
13. If I have further questions who should I call?
Metal Injection Molding (MIM), has over the past decades established itself as a competitive alternative to machining (and other processes) for the manufacturing of small precision components. MIM is capable of producing products with a high degree of complexity in both large and small volumes. MIM Technology is finding applications in many industry sectors such as medical, aerospace, automotive, industrial and fuel cell technology.
MIM involves the use of fine metal powders mixed with polymer binders. The mixture is used in the injection molding process to form a complex part, the polymer is removed in a debinding process, and the component is sintered in a complex oven to form the finished product. There are no traces of polymer in the final product.
Since MIM does not involve machining (although the finished product may itself be machined), the metal's metallic structure is not damaged by cutting. The complexity of the parts that can be manufactured using MIM technology is astounding - some examples are shown here.
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a manufacturing process that involves a multi-step process in which metal powders are made to behave like a plastic by mixing them with polymer binders to form a feedstock. This feedstock is then used in injection molding to get net-shaped, precision components. Complex geometries that used to be either very difficult or very costly, to produce through traditional manufacturing methods can easily be produced by MIM and at significantly lower prices. Also, detailed features such as serrations, internal and external threads, text and graphical symbols can be molded into the part, eliminating the need for expensive secondary operations. MIM enhances product quality, reduces project lead times and gives rise to significant cost savings of up to 50%.
2. Is MIM PMP’s core business?
Yes, Metal Injection Molding is our core business. We are therefore fully equipped to keep every step of our MIM process in-house from: compounding of the feedstock, to the final sintered part. This allows us to have tight control over our production processes.
3. What materials can PMP process?
PMP processes: 17-4PH, 300 & 400 series, Stainless Steel, Kovar, Copper, Magnetic Alloys, Super Alloys such as, Inconel 718, Inconel 625 and Hastelloy X.
4. How do the strength properties compare to the wrought material?
The strength and performance of MIM parts are comparable to those of wrought material.
5. What is the average density of MIM parts produced at PMP?
In general, the theoretical density of the components after sintering is in the range of 95 - 98% dense. However, PMP technology allows us to achieve 99.7%. To achieve higher density the parts can be Hipped to achieve near full density.
6. What are the industries PMP serves?
Industries includes: Medical, Aerospace, Automotive, Industrial, and Fuel Cell technology.
7. Does PMP have mold making capabilities in-house?
No, we have several mold makers that are trained by PMP technical staff for producing molds for MIM for PMP.
8. What are the minimum volumes viable for MIM?
MIM is most suited for small, complex components, in annual volumes of 1,000 or more (Although PMP does produce parts with annual quantities of less than 500 pieces).
9. Does PMP have its own feedstock?
Yes. We have a proprietary feedstock formulation which is universal for all alloys including the super alloys and Ti and its alloys.
10. What Quality Standards does PMP apply?
We are an ISO 9001-2000 accredited company. These include Process APQP, FMEA to Manage Risk, Production Inspection and Validation Criteria Documented and Statistical Process Control.
11. Does PMP offer design consultation?
Yes, as a supplier we are an extension of our customer’s business therefore we offer support and design advice on new and ongoing projects to make the part a MIM friendly component.
12. What is typical lead time for the first article?
It depends on the complexity of the part. It usually takes from 35 to 45 business days to build a mold and 2 to 3 weeks for PMP to develop the process for the first article.
13. If I have further questions who should I call?
Please contact a member of our technical staff at 330-220-5800.