Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
At INMET, we house a fully integrated Metal Injection Molding (MIM) facility that enables the rapid production of high-precision metal parts with complex geometries. As MIM technology has evolved, it has become a powerful alternative to traditional manufacturing methods, offering flexibility in materials, shapes, and scalability. Our expertise allows customers to benefit from advanced tooling, a broad range of metal alloys, and streamlined processes—all under one roof.
MIM Advantages:
Choose from a diverse selection of high-performance materials including stainless steel, titanium, and specialty alloys—tailored to meet varied industry needs.
Ideal for high-volume production, MIM ensures repeatability and uniform quality across thousands or millions of parts.
MIM reduces tooling and machining costs while delivering intricate geometries that are difficult or impossible with conventional methods.
MIM parts offer strength, hardness, and durability equivalent to wrought materials—suitable for high-performance applications.
MIM produces near-net-shape components, minimizing the need for post-processing like machining or polishing.
We support a wide range of materials, including low alloy steels, stainless steels, soft magnetic alloys, and special grades-enabling high corrosion resistance and superior mechanical performance.
Tool Manufacturing
As a full-service Metal Injection Molding (MIM) manufacturer, we proudly offer comprehensive in-house tooling capabilities, providing complete control over the design, manufacturing, and optimization of high-precision molds.
Our expert in-house team utilizes advanced CAD modeling, CNC machining, EDM, and precision polishing to deliver complex, high-tolerance tooling tailored to each unique project. For advanced applications, we integrate additive manufacturing techniques to develop custom inserts and conformal cooling channels.
This end-to-end capability empowers us to:
- Rapidly implement design changes
- Accelerate development cycles
- Ensure consistent, high-quality output across production runs
Whether serving the medical, aerospace, automotive, or electronics industries, our fully integrated approach guarantees every mold is engineered for reliability, repeatability, and superior performance. With tooling developed and maintained under one roof, customers benefit from:
- Faster turnaround times
- Streamlined communication
- The assurance of the highest standards in precision from the very first part
Action and Control Plans to Achieve “Right First Time” Tool Manufacturing
- High-Speed, Precision Equipment: Utilization of advanced machinery such as Makino VMC, Mitsubishi EDM-EA8S, and Kent Grinding systems for precise MIM mold fabrication
- Repeatability through Secure Clamping: Implementation of Erowa Clamping Systems for accurate holding of electrodes and workpieces, ensuring dimensional repeatability
- Micron-Level Accuracy: Deployment of Blum TC-52 and Blum Z-Nano Tool Setter probing systems in VMC machines for centralized alignment and meticulous inspection
- Standardized Inspection Protocols: Every process is supported by thorough inspection and documentation using high-precision equipment such as CMMs and digital master height gauges
Feedstock
Feedstock in Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a homogeneous blend of fine metal powders, including ferrous alloys (steels, stainless steels), combined with a thermoplastic binder system made up of waxes, polymers, and other organic compounds. This composite material is engineered to exhibit optimal flow properties for injection molding, allowing it to be heated, plastically deformed, and precisely shaped within a mold cavity.
By controlling the feedstock process in-house, we ensure batch-to-batch consistency, giving our customers greater confidence in the quality, strength, and reliability of their components. Each formulation is optimized to meet the unique demands of different applications, enabling us to achieve tight tolerances, complex geometries, and high-density final components across a diverse range of industries.
By maintaining strict in-house control over feedstock preparation, we eliminate variability, reduce defects, and support faster, more reliable production cycles, ensuring every part meets the highest industry standards.
Molding
The molding process is a manufacturing technique used to shape materials by introducing them into a mold cavity, where they take on the desired form. Raw materials, such as molten metal, are heated and mixed with binders to achieve the necessary flow properties. The material is then injected into a mold cavity under high pressure, ensuring it conforms precisely to the mold’s shape.
Once inside the mold, the material solidifies through cooling, and after it has fully hardened, the formed part is carefully removed. This process produces a finished “Green Part” or a near-net-shape component with precise dimensions and intricate geometries.
Advanced Molding Solutions with INMET
Our molding process combines fine metal powders with specially formulated binders to create complex shapes that would be difficult—or even impossible—to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. Every part we mold is crafted with a focus on tight tolerances, superior surface finishes, and exceptional strength, ensuring reliability in critical applications.
Supported by advanced automation and in-house tooling capabilities, INMET guarantees that each molding cycle delivers consistent, high-quality results. Whether for aerospace, medical devices, defense, automotive, or consumer products, our molding solutions are precisely tailored to meet the unique challenges of every industry we serve.
Debinding
The debinding process is a critical step in Metal Injection Molding (MIM), where the binder material is removed from the molded feedstock, leaving behind a porous structure known as the "brown part."
In catalytic debinding, nitric acid vapor is used to break down and vaporize approximately 80% of the plastic binders within the molded part. This occurs through a controlled heating cycle, ensuring that the binder decomposes safely without compromising the part’s structural integrity. The remaining 20% of the binder is left intact to maintain sufficient handling strength and is later eliminated during the sintering stage.
Sustainability Fact
No carbon dioxide is emitted during this process, as we use LPG gas to break down molecules efficiently.
INMET’s Advanced Debinding Solutions
At INMET, our systems combine the best of thermal and solvent debinding methods, effectively removing all binder materials from each molded part. The result is a clean, polymer-free structure, ready for sintering without losing fine details or dimensional accuracy.
Our debinding capabilities ensure consistent, high-quality production, enabling a smooth transition from molded parts to fully dense, precision-engineered metal components. With a strong focus on efficiency, quality, and repeatability, INMET’s debinding solutions lay the foundation for superior sintered parts, meeting the demanding standards of industries such as aerospace, medical, automotive, and beyond.
Sintering
Sintering is the critical final step in the Metal Injection Molding (MIM) process, where the debound metal component is subjected to high temperatures in a controlled atmosphere to achieve densification and metallurgical bonding.
During sintering, the part is heated to 1,300°C – 1,400°C, promoting atomic diffusion, allowing metal particles to bond and densify. This process eliminates residual porosity, leading to near-full density, resulting in a fully solidified and functional metal part.
INMET’s Advanced Sintering Process
At INMET, we utilize state-of-the-art vacuum sintering furnaces, operated through SCADA-controlled systems, to ensure the highest levels of accuracy, consistency, and quality in every part we produce.
Our carefully optimized sintering process guarantees that each component achieves full density, delivering exceptional strength, durability, and dimensional stability. By precisely controlling key variables—including temperature profiles and atmospheric conditions—we meet the stringent standards required by industries such as aerospace, defense, medical devices, and automotive.
Through precision-engineered sintering, INMET ensures superior performance and reliability, helping manufacturers achieve components that excel in demanding applications.
Weight Range
Precision parts manufactured across a wide weight range
Ramp Up Capacity
Flexibility to ramp up capacity up to 30% to cater to high-volume demands.
Accuracy
Dimensional accuracy achieved on complex geometries
Global Market Reach
Over 80% of our Metal Injection Molding (MIM) components are exported globally.
Minimal Finishing
Reduction in finishing operations with near-net shape output