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What is MIM?



Mixing
In performing the MIM process, it is necessary to decide on the composition of the powder-binder mixture for the feedstock. Once a powder and binder have been selected, the next concern is to mix these ingredients

Granulation A homogeneously mixed MIM feedstock should be cooled and formed into pellets for storage and transport, also granulation is used to prepare a uniform sized material for the molding operation.

Molding
The blend of appropriate powder and polymeric binder is granulated, and is then fed into an injection molding machine. Under moderate temperature and pressures, the feedstock achieves a consistency like that of a tooth paste and can be injected into mold cavities to form precision components.

Debinding
The blend and additives used in the molding steps are removed by a process that has come to be known as debinderizing. This is consists of the solvent extraction and the thermal treatment to break down and vaporize the polymers.

Sintering
Sintering is the bonding together of particles. When heated to high temperature, debinded parts are sintered in high temperature sintering furnace of gas or vacuum atmosphere.

Inspection