Showing 19 Faqs
FAQs
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What is MIM?
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Metal Injection Molding (MIM) involves mixing metal powder with a binder to form feedstock, which is then injected into molds using an injection molding machine to create green parts. These parts are subsequently debound and sintered to produce high-density, high-precision metal components with complex shapes. It is a near-net-shape forming technology.
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How does MIM differ from conventional injection molding, machining, and die casting?
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Compared to injection molding: MIM produces metal parts with significantly higher strength and hardness than plastic parts.
Compared to machining: MIM is ideal for small, intricate, or multi-cavity parts, offering higher material utilization and lower per-unit costs in mass production.
Compared to die casting: MIM supports a wider range of materials (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, superalloys), achieves higher density (≥95%), and delivers superior mechanical properties.
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Does the metal melt during the MIM process?
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No. Only the binder melts and flows under heat, carrying the metal powder. The binder is later removed through debinding, and sintering occurs via solid-state diffusion and densification—metal never melts throughout the process.
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Is MIM expensive? When is it more cost-effective than machining?
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Tooling cost: moderate to high (complex molds: 20,000–80,000 RMB);
Unit cost: significantly lower than machining at high volumes, especially for complex parts;
Break-even point: 5,000–10,000 units—the larger the volume, the more economical MIM becomes.
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What is your lead time for manufacturing parts?
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Lead times depend on the complexity and volume of your order. For standard parts, lead times typically range from 7–15 days. For complex projects, we will provide an estimated timeline during the quotation process.
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What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for parts?
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Our standard MOQ starts from 3,000–5,000 pieces, depending on part complexity and material selection. For prototyping or low-volume trials, we offer flexible MOQ from 500–1,000 pieces at a slightly higher unit cost. The exact MOQ will be confirmed during quotation based on your specifications.
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How do you ensure the quality of the parts you manufacture?
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We apply full-process quality control across every stage: incoming material inspection, mold precision verification, MIM process parameter monitoring, debinding & sintering control, CNC/turning tolerance checks, and final surface treatment with dimensional measurement. Each batch undergoes AQL sampling inspection, and we provide full material certifications and inspection reports on request.
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Can you provide assistance during the design phase?
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Yes. Our engineering team offers free DFM (Design for Manufacturability) review. We help optimize wall thickness, draft angles, gate placement, and tolerances specifically for MIM. With in-house mold design and manufacturing capability, we can validate feasibility quickly and suggest cost-effective alternatives before tooling begins.
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What is your experience with high-precision parts?
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We have extensive experience producing high-precision MIM parts for 3C electronics, medical devices, and automotive applications — with tolerances as tight as ±0.02mm and surface roughness down to Ra 0.4μm after polishing. Our precision is backed by CNC machining, CNC turning, and coordinate measuring equipment, ensuring consistent quality even at high volumes.
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What surface finishing options do you offer?
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We provide a full range of post-processing services: CNC machining, CNC turning, polishing, and various surface treatments including passivation, PVD coating, electroplating, and sandblasting. The final finish is selected based on functional and aesthetic requirements, and all treatments are verified during our quality measurement process.
