Among the advantages of MIM technology, the speed of production is most often highlighted, as well as the ability to seamlessly mass-produce very small and highly complex components. MIM enables the creation of parts that cannot be manufactured with CNC machining or other methods—or if they can, only at significantly higher cost. Another important advantage of MIM is that it can be used with virtually zero material waste. Any leftover raw material can be reprocessed into granulate and reused 100%, which is crucial for expensive metals like copper, titanium, or tungsten, where the economics of production depend on minimizing waste. Additionally, from an environmental perspective, reducing manufacturing waste is a significant benefit.
Soaring Raw Material Prices
Due to production halts during the COVID-19 pandemic followed by a sudden surge in demand, raw material shortages emerged worldwide, further driving up the prices of non-ferrous and rare metals. Copper prices have fluctuated recently, but experts expect long-term demand to continue rising, as copper remains a primary conductor of electricity—critical in a world increasingly reliant on electrification. Copper is also essential for motor windings and as an alloying element.
Additional Challenges
Post-pandemic demand pressures are compounded by the Russia–Ukraine war and its economic consequences. Platinum, more expensive than gold and present in over 20% of consumer goods, relies heavily on Russia as the second-largest producer. Titanium, while abundant (the ninth most common element on Earth), is difficult to produce in pure form, and more than 5% of the world’s supply comes from Ukraine. Tungsten, used from lightbulbs to rocket engines and nuclear reactors, has 85% of global production concentrated in China, creating a virtual monopoly.
Manufacturing with zero material waste is therefore not only environmentally beneficial but also essential when working with rare or costly metals. MIM technology provides the most economical solution by allowing all leftover material from production to be reused.