METAL INJECTION MOLDING
Metal injection
molding services.
Complex metal parts, made by ProleanTech. Explore our MIM components, from intermediate forms to finished geometries.
MADE BY PROLEANTECH
Real parts.
Details in every direction.
Radial teeth, raised bosses, thin frames and compact features. Explore MIM components from our production, with intermediate and finished examples clearly identified.
Dual-aperture frames
Thin perimeter walls, circular openings and raised fixing features.
Compact multi-feature parts
Several geometric features brought together in one small component.
Mounting plates & bosses
Mounting holes, a raised bore and a continuous plate profile.
Cylindrical profiles
Stepped geometry, circumferential detail and small openings.
Radial teeth & mounting features
A toothed face surrounding a central bore and mounting pattern.
Have a part with similar complexity?
See the part
through production.
The darker components shown here are intermediate products. Compare them with finished components to see how the geometry and visible surface change.
Central opening, radial teeth and mounting holes.
Four corner holes and a central raised boss.
A stepped cylindrical profile with distinct final surface details.
Photographs show production examples, not a dimensional comparison. Image scale differs; exact process stages and secondary operations are defined for each project.
When complexity repeats,
MIM is worth a closer look.
MIM combines metal powder processing with injection molding. A tool forms the geometry; debinding and sintering turn the molded feedstock into a metal component. The business case depends on the complete production route.
A stronger candidate
- Small, detailed geometryMultiple features, intersecting forms or shapes that are costly to machine from solid stock.
- A stable production designRepeat orders that can justify tooling, qualification and process development.
- A suitable powder alloyA material and final condition matched to the part’s mechanical and environmental requirements.
Compare another route first
- Low volume or frequent revisionsCNC machining or metal additive manufacturing may avoid dedicated molding tooling.
- Large or heavily varying sectionsMaterial flow, binder removal and sintering distortion need careful review.
- Very tight functional featuresBudget for secondary machining, sizing or grinding where the drawing requires it.
There is no universal minimum order or break-even quantity. Compare tooling, unit cost, finishing, inspection and expected lifetime demand together.
FROM POWDER TO COMPONENT
The shape is molded.
The metal is consolidated.
Select a step to see what changes, and what needs to be controlled.
A consistent starting mixture.
Fine metal powder is combined with a binder system to create moldable feedstock. Powder chemistry, distribution and binder behavior influence the downstream process.
Engineering focusSpecify the alloy and required final material condition before tooling.
Geometry takes its first form.
Heated feedstock fills a mold to produce a green part. The tool accommodates the dimensional change expected during sintering.
Engineering focusReview gates, parting lines, ejection and access for side features.
The binder leaves in controlled steps.
Binder is removed using a route suited to the feedstock. The remaining powder structure is fragile and requires controlled handling.
Engineering focusSection thickness and transitions affect binder removal and defect risk.
Particles bond. The part shrinks.
Controlled heating bonds the powder particles and densifies the component. Shrinkage, support and furnace conditions influence final shape and properties.
Engineering focusAgree material condition, dimensional allowances and support strategy.
Finish the features that matter.
Secondary machining, sizing, heat treatment or surface finishing may be needed. The chosen route must preserve the agreed final dimensions and properties.
Engineering focusDefine critical bores, threads, datums, appearance and acceptance criteria.
Process illustration is schematic. Shrinkage and final properties depend on the feedstock, geometry and validated process.
Choose the final properties.
Then specify the MIM material.
Wrought-metal data alone does not define a sintered part. Discuss the powder grade, density, heat treatment and application-specific acceptance criteria together.
| Material family | Selection focus | Confirm in the RFQ |
|---|---|---|
| 316L stainless steel | Corrosion resistance and ductility | Exposure conditions, surface state and corrosion testing |
| 17-4 PH stainless steel | Strength with a specified heat-treatment condition | Condition, hardness, strength and dimensional changes |
| Low-alloy steels | Strength, hardness and wear requirements | Grade, thermal treatment and corrosion protection |
| Other powder alloys | Special magnetic, thermal or wear properties | Feedstock availability and process qualification |
Common MIM material families are shown for selection guidance. Exact alloy availability and project capability require confirmation.
DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING
Design for molding.
Allow for sintering.
A moldable shape is only the beginning. The part also needs to survive debinding, shrink predictably and meet the final drawing.
Balance the wall sections
Use gradual transitions and consider coring heavy areas. Uneven sections complicate filling, binder removal and dimensional control.
Plan tool access and release
Review draft, undercuts, parting lines and gate locations. Side actions add tooling complexity and should earn their place in the design.
Support the part as it shrinks
Long, thin or asymmetric features may distort during sintering. Assess support surfaces and any secondary straightening or sizing.
Separate molded and critical dimensions
Mark functional datums, fits, threads and sealing surfaces. Agree which features can be sintered to size and which need secondary operations.
Choose the route by the part.
Compare the same geometry, material requirements and delivered condition. Tooling price alone cannot show the total cost.
Metal injection molding
Consider for small, intricate parts with stable repeat demand.
- Cost drivers
- Tooling, feedstock, debinding, sintering and finishing.
- Review closely
- Shrinkage, material properties and secondary operations.
CNC machining
Consider for changing designs, lower quantities and critical machined features.
- Cost drivers
- Material removal, machining time, setups and tooling access.
- Review closely
- Deep features, inaccessible geometry and recurring cycle time.
Die casting
Consider for suitable castable alloys and geometries at production scale.
- Cost drivers
- Die complexity, alloy, cycle time, trimming and machining.
- Review closely
- Alloy suitability, porosity requirements and feature design.
Define acceptance
before production.
Agree what must be measured, how it will be checked and which records accompany delivery. A sample approval should connect to a controlled drawing revision.
- Dimensions & fit
- Critical dimensions, datums, gauge method and sampling plan.
- Material & condition
- Grade, chemistry, density or porosity requirements, hardness and mechanical testing where needed.
- Appearance & function
- Parting-line limits, gate vestige, surface finish, corrosion or application-specific tests.
- Release & traceability
- Agreed sample report, lot identification, material documentation and change control.
Inspection scope, test methods and documentation are agreed per project. Industry-specific qualification requires a separate review.
Questions before
you commit to tooling.
Resolve the material, economics and acceptance criteria while the design can still change.
Is MIM the same as plastic injection molding?
Both use a mold to form geometry. MIM starts with metal powder and binder; binder removal and sintering are essential to producing the final metal part.
What quantity makes MIM economical?
There is no fixed break-even quantity. Compare tooling and qualification costs against the delivered unit cost over the expected production life, including secondary operations, testing and potential design changes.
What tolerances can I specify?
Provide the drawing with critical dimensions and functional datums marked. Achievable dimensions depend on geometry, material and sintering behavior. Tight features may need machining, grinding or sizing; confirm the route before ordering tooling.
Can MIM replace a machined part directly?
Sometimes, but the geometry often needs adjustment for molding, debinding and sintering. Compare final material properties and function, and retain secondary machining where required.
Can MIM parts be heat treated or surface finished?
Suitable processes depend on the alloy, part condition and application. Include the required final hardness, finish, coating thickness and dimensional acceptance so the whole route can be reviewed.
Can a CNC prototype validate a MIM production part?
A machined prototype can help check geometry and assembly. It does not validate sintered density, microstructure, shrinkage or MIM production variation. Qualification samples should represent the intended manufacturing route.
START WITH YOUR DRAWING
Make the next step
an engineering decision.
Send your part files and production requirements to ProleanTech. Ask for a MIM feasibility review and a comparison of suitable manufacturing routes.
Your files are handled confidentially.
An NDA is available on request.
Your inquiry checklist
- 3D CAD and revision-controlled 2D drawing
- Material grade and final heat-treatment condition
- Batch quantity, annual demand and project stage
- Critical dimensions, datums and functional requirements
- Surface finish, testing and documentation needs
- Target delivery date and tooling requirements