The demand for small, lightweight, yet strong and complex-shaped components is continuously growing. Industries such as automotive, electronics manufacturing, aerospace, and firearms require small, complex parts, and an increasing number of medical devices also need tiny and intricate components. While traditional CNC machining has its advantages, the smaller and more complex a part is, the more cost-effective metal injection molding (MIM) becomes. MIM is a hybrid technology that combines the shaping capabilities of plastic injection molding with the material versatility of traditional powder metallurgy.
What is MIM Good For?
MIM is ideal for the mass production of components with complex geometries that require high precision. It is also the most efficient method for producing miniature parts economically. This process allows the manufacture of tiny and intricate components that would be difficult or impossible to produce using other methods. Parts as small as 3 mm, barely visible to the naked eye, can be produced in large quantities. MIM is particularly suitable for high-volume production using difficult-to-machine alloys, enabling the reproduction of millions of pieces while maintaining quality.
Advantages of MIM Technology
Beyond mass-producing small and complex parts, one of MIM’s greatest advantages over CNC and other metalworking methods is speed. It combines the design flexibility of plastic injection molding with the strength of forged metals. Using MIM, a single part can be produced every 3–4 seconds, translating to nearly 1,000 parts per hour and around 24,000 per day — a speed unmatched by any other technology. Another benefit is the minimal material waste during production. This not only reduces environmental impact but also generates significant cost savings in a world of increasingly expensive raw materials.