MIM (Metal Injection Molding) - The Frontier in Small, Complex Metal Parts

In the next decade, machine shops will purchase metal injection molding (MIM) technology and imbed MIM as an integral part of their machining services. The need to continually reduce cost will be the driving force. Machining companies can use MIM as a supplemental process for small, complex metal parts. Net-shape or near-net-shape components can be fabricated inexpensively in-house. The capital cost to begin MIM fabrication in-house is much less than the cost of a new CNC machine. MIM feedstocks can be purchased under licenses for reasonable costs, including process training. Author: Lance B. Johnson, MIMflow Technologies LLC, Euclid, OH.