Components made with metal injection molding (MIM) are similar to those made by plastic injection molding in complexity and artifacts. Gate, ejector pin, and parting line artifacts are mostly unavoidable and need to be strategically located for both application and process. MIM is best suited for components that will fit on the palm of your hand and components that have thin wall sections. A flat feature to provide uniform support for sintering is one feature that is strongly recommended to avoid sintering fixturing costs.
Printable MIM Design Guide MIM Design Book
AttributeMinimumTypicalMaximum
| Component Mass (g) | 0.030 | 10-15 | 300 |
| Max Dimension (mm) | 2 (0.08 in) | 25 (1 in) | 150 (6 in) |
| Min Wall Thickness (mm) | 0.12 (0.005 in)* | 15 (0.2 in) | 15 (0.6 in) |
| Tolerance (%) | 0.02% | 10.5% | 1% |
| Density | 93% | 98% | 100% |
| Production Quantity | 1,000 | 100,000 | 100,000,000 |
*Features this small could have distortion.
Further Information: Handbook of metal injection molding, ed. D. Heaney, ISBN: 978 0 85709 066 9.
