Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Instead of machining, consider metal injection molding

By Leslie Langnau | October 8, 2012

Share
MIM_Parts_CloseUp_opt

Metal injection molding is an effective way to produce complex and precision-shaped parts. Component size can range from 0.0001 in.3 to 2.5 in.3.

Metal injection molding (MIM) is an effective way to produce complex and precision-shaped parts from a variety of materials. It offers several advantages over die casting, investment casting, and machining in such applications as firearms components, medical jaws, turbochargers, and micro sized components. Component size can range from 0.0001 in.3 to 2.5 in.3.

In a surgical jaw application, the challenge was a 4-in. part with complex geometry. The jaw portion of a device had a large curve. To ensure the part maintained its shape during fabrication, it was clamped. According to a Phillips engineer, “Machined or die cast parts would be extremely hard to get this detail and come out with a rough texture because of the size. As a result, this customer chose MIM for its low cost options, excellent surface finish, tolerance requirements, and the complex features they couldn’t get with other processes.”

In another application, the design of a seat pressure regulator included irregular-shaped holes.

Phillips engineers chose metal injection molding due to a “D” shaped hole in the center of the part. The holes could be molded instead of machined, reducing costs. “This part was really suited for our process and equipment as the hole is something that is very hard to achieve with other metal processes, such as screw machining. And the extra steps that screw machining requires adds additional costs,” explained a Phillips process engineer.

In another medical application, the design goal was to consolidate four parts into one in an Oxygen regulator device used during surgery. The part, which contains the main body, a tube, and two screws, was consolidated into one metal injection molded part that also included molded in threads.

MIM can handle small, highly complex geometries; or parts requiring high strength and corrosion resistance. It is suitable in situations where part size or weight must be reduced. It can also be used to consolidate multiple components into a single design.

MIM_Parts_Spiral_opt

Production volumes can be a few to several thousand. And, parts display an excellent surface finish.

Phillips Medisize
www.phillipsmedisize.com


Filed Under: Design World articles, Die casting, Molding • injection molding components
Tagged With: Phillips Medisize
 

Tell Us What You Think!

Related Articles Read More >

Drone-mounted inspection breaks barriers for F-35
TriStar, a misunderstood failure of design
More on engineering and science
Dan Arvizu: Embracing the soft skills

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development
  • How to Increase Rotational Capacity for a Retaining Ring
  • Cordis high resolution electronic proportional pressure controls
  • WAGO’s custom designed interface wiring system making industrial applications easier
  • 10 Reasons to Specify Valve Manifolds
  • Case study: How a 3D-printed tool saved thousands of hours and dollars

Design World Podcasts

May 17, 2022
Another view on additive and the aerospace industry
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings