Global manufacturers are looking for the best way to produce high property metal products,they are willing to sacrifice the cost in order to have more flexibilities on designing.When traditional casting are not suitable,the engineers are switching to MIM(metal injection molding) field.
If you are familiar with PM(powder metallurgy),you will know how these parts are made.These metal parts are compacted out by mould and hardened by sintering.MIM is a complementary technology,it is using metal powder(more fine)to inject into mold to get more complex and high density products.
So what’s the difference between PM and MIM?
Material
PM and MIM materials are using basic powder, both technologies are allowed to use DIY alloy.However,the particle size is the key point.As we know,PM process are using more rough powder,it makes them have more advantage on price.The powder of MIM is more tiny,so the price will be double or even three times .
When comparing the raw material of MIM and PM,the cost of metal powder are the key factor.The particle size of MIM powder are generally around -20μm+100μm.this greatly lower the porosity of MIM parts.
And do you know the density of PM parts during compacting can only achieve 85-92％,but MIM can arrive at 95% after sintering.
Design freedom
Engineers are always confused about PM and MIM,both of them are started from metal powder.PM are relying on single shaft compacting under high pressure,so PM are more suitable to produce simple structure parts.The difference of MIM is it has no limitation on geometry and it allows 3D freedom.
Physical property
Although the technology of PM and MIM looks like similar,but we are see great difference from finished parts.The most critical one should be density.When you are using PM technology,the metal powder and tools have friction which makes parts uneven,however,MIM will not have this problem.
Where do you think MIM can be used?
If you can increase cost for raw material and tool,you will get high density more complex components.For single parts,PM would be the best choice,but MIM will be the best news for complicated and small parts.
To learn more,welcome to contact Sints at susan@cn-powder.com
+86-760-23453788 
