Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and 3D metal printing are both capable of producing durable, high-quality metal components. Both technologies offer real alternatives to traditional metalworking methods, such as CNC machining. However, due to the differences between the two methods, several factors determine which one is more suitable in a given case.
Ideal for Mass Production
MIM is the best choice for high-volume production of small, complex components. With this technology, even parts as small as 3 mm, barely visible to the naked eye, can be produced in series—at an impressive speed. Using MIM, one piece of a given product can be produced every 3–4 seconds, which amounts to 15 pieces per minute and nearly 24,000 per day—no other technology can compete with this speed. However, even the smallest design change to a part is costly, as it requires a new mold.
Fully Modifiable
3D metal printing is even younger than MIM, with only about two decades of development. Its advantage is that it eliminates the extra cost of producing new molds, as components are built layer by layer. This means any modification or change is possible without a significant increase in initial costs. However, the base costs of 3D metal printing are still relatively high due to its energy consumption, which increases the cost per part.
MIM is the best choice when at least 20,000 pieces of a component are needed per year. Such volumes cannot be produced cost-effectively with any other technology. Furthermore, MIM can process a wide range of metals and alloys, including stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt-chrome. This versatility makes MIM suitable for producing a wide variety of components in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical technology. For smaller quantities or less specialized materials, 3D metal printing can also be competitive, particularly for complex geometries that are difficult to produce with injection molding.