Thinking in Skeleton: metal injection molding

Metal injection molding(aka MIM) is a metalworking process to create complex and precise small parts in large volume.

Though it’s very much like the plastic injection mold of forming, it uses a different mix feedstock which is made up of melted metal and binder materials. The molding process can build the stractures where need to withstand stronger forces in electronic products, like frame, mid-frame, hinge and sim tray. This new powder metallurgy technologies of producing metal is cost-effective, high-volume and high-quality compared to alternative methods like milling, drilling or casting.

How it is made? Come and join the First-person adventure making a sim needle in the factory!

Prepare

First of all, the material: the feedstock is a mix of plasticizer and metal, usually stainless steel (sus316, sus304), ferrous metals or hard  alloy.

The mold is the key part of the following steps, which decided how precise your product will be.

The MIM process is made up of the following process:

Injection Molding

Injection molding machines

Skim

vacuum degreasing machine

Sinter

sintering furnace

Integer

stamping equipment

This process will help improve the precision of it.

Test

micro measurement equipment

Inspection by human is also important, can’t be replaced.

To create complex components, the surface treatment is also important, which include: ultrasonic cleaning, polishing, drawing, magnetic grinding, barrel polishing, electrolytic polish, oxidation, electroplate.

ultrasonic cleaning

In the end, a conveyer belt will transport the products.

The end product gallery

 

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