Metal injection moulding (MIM) allows parts to be made in steel in a similar way to plastic injection moulding. The MIM production technique enables the manufacture of parts with complex shapes, fine detail, accurate dimensions and smooth surfaces. The process allows the same types of parts typically made in plastics, to be produced in low alloy steels, stainless steels, tool steels, magnetic irons, Invar and Kovar. MIM parts can be bent, hardened, welded, machined or polished, just like any other metal. As the MIM process uses similar tooling to plastic injection moulding, it is best suited to medium or high quantity requirements. MIM parts are suited for medical device components, surgical instruments, dental equipment, electronics and computers, hand tools and precision engineering components. Intricate features can be produced such as serrations, teeth, odd-shaped holes, flat-bottomed holes, blind recesses, lettering, internal and external threads.
