MIM
is economically attractive to manufacturers—especially against
parts that require machining. Machined parts require a considerable
amount of labor and a lot of material is lost during the process. When
parts are molded in mass quantities, MIM-type parts can offer substantial
savings. Furthermore, the more complex the part, the more cost reduction
the customer can realize. MIM’s unique process capabilities also
allow for advanced fabrications such as combining components into one
complex geometry or co-molding and bonding dissimilar materials—capabilities
that machining and even die-casting cannot match.
MIM components can range in size from 0.1 grams to
over 150 grams in weight. Mold construction may consist of either single
or multiple cavities depending upon the estimated annual volume.
| MIM
PART SELECTION CRITERIA |
| Size |
Typically less than 100 grams |
| Wall Selections |
Thick sections increase cycle times
and increase part cost
.25 inches (6.35mm) or less should be designed in |
| Material |
See material list |
Gate/Ejector Pins
& Paring Line |
Where can these features be located? |
| Quantities |
20,000 pcs. per year minimum
(in most cases) |
| Complexity |
Detail is tool related and has minimal
impact on part cost |
| Tolerances |
+.003 to +.005 inches
per inch |
| Finish |
Typically 32 - 45 microinches |
| Properties |
Typical densities for MIM range from
95% - 99% which yield properties close to cast or wrought products.
(See MPIF STD 35 for specific properties.) |
| MATERIALS |
| Low Alloy Steels |
AISI 1010
8% Ni-Steel
MIM 4600 series
MIM 4630
MIM 4650
AISI 4340 |
Austenitic
Stainless Steels |
AISI 316L
AISI 304L
ASTM A276 (XM19) |
| Ferritic SS |
AISI 430 |
| Martensitic |
AISI 420 |
Precipitation
Hardening SS |
17-4 PH as sintered
17-4 PH as heat treated |
Duplex
Structure SS |
ASTM A276 (2205) |
Iron-Cobalt-
Nickel Based |
ASTM F15
Fe-Si
Alloy 44-45
ASTM F30 (Alloy 46)
Alloy 50
MIL-A-47182 |
| Copper Based |
Cu-100%
Cu-Ni-Sn
Cu-Ni 84/16 |
| PROCESS
COMPARISON CHART |
| Process |
Complexity |
Simple
Part Cost |
Complex
Part Cost |
Material
Selection |
Tolerance
Capabilities |
High Volume
Capabilities |
| MIM |
5 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
| Screw Machine |
2 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
| Castings |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
| Machine |
4 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
| P/M |
2 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
| Die Cast |
4 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
Scale: 5=Excellent, 1=Poor Cost/Capabilities
for each process vary by application |
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