The miniaturisation of components is gaining in importance in a wide range of industry sectors, a move that brings an increasing demand for micro components.

Micro powder injection moulding (microPIM, µPIM) is widely considered to be one of the most advanced and sophisticated techniques for manufacturing micro parts for large-scale production.

The term MicroPIM identifies a size scale where a component has features measured in micrometres. As such, the term encompasses both micro-sized PIM components as well as larger PIM components that include surface features in the micrometre range. Components currently in production are as light as 0.002g with individual features in the 10 – 15µm range.

Key markets include automotive, IT, jewellery, eyewear, fibre optics, lasers, opto-electronic systems, nozzles, dental, sensors, electronic assembly tools, communication systems and medical.

MicroPIM has the advantage of being able to offer a wide range of materials to the designer, from ceramics (MicroCIM, µCIM) to metals (MicroMIM, µMIM).

Micro powder injection moulding (µPIM) in PIM International
Powder Injection Moulding International is the leading publication for the global metal and ceramic injection moulding industry, publishing the latest technical papers and market reports on all aspects of the industry.

MicroPIM is a key are of interest for and below is a selection of past articles and technical papers on this subject published since our launch in 2007.

Note that all articles and technical papers listed below can be downloaded from the PIM International PDF Store, the leading online information resource for the metal and ceramic injection moulding industries.

In the currrent issue of PIM International | Subscriptions

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MicroPIM market and technology reports

Medical and dental applications for microminiature powder injection moulding (MicroPIM, µPIM) – a roadmap for growth
PIM International, Vol.3 No. 2 June 2009, pages 21-29

In this specially commissioned report for Powder Injection Moulding International, Professor Randall German, San Diego State University, USA, looks at key technical and commercial challenges that lie ahead for the development of the MicroPIM industry. More
Micro powder injection moulding (µPIM) – challenges and opportunities
PIM International, Vol.2 No. 1 March 2008

Dr Frank Petzoldt, Fraunhofer IFAM, Bremen, Germany, takes a closer look at micro-PIM technology. Potential markets and applications are assessed as companies turn theory into practice in this exciting sector of the PIM industry. More

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MicroPIM technical Papers

Characterisation of alumina feedstock with polyacetal and wax-polymer binder systems for micro powder injection moulding (µPIM)
S. Laddha, C. Wu,S. Vallury, G. Lingam, S. Lee, K. Simmons, P. Thomas, B. Levenfeld, A. Várez, S.J. Park, S. Ahn, R.M. German, S.V. Atre, PIM International, Vol.3 No. 3 September 2009

Micro metal injection moulding (µMIM) for thermal management applications using ultrafine powders
H. Schmidt, A.C. Rota, P Imgrund, M. Leers, PIM International, Vol.3 No. 2 June 2009

Advanced metal powder injection moulding for multilayered micro porous titanium components
K. Nishiyabu, S. Matsuzaki, S. Tanaka, PIM International, Vol.3 No. 1 March 2009

Accuracy evaluation of ultra-compact gears manufactured by the microMIM (µMIM) process
K. Nishiyabu, I Andrews, S. Tanaka, PIM International, Vol.2 No. 4 December 2008

Micro-channelled heat exchanger manufactured by Ceramic Injection Moulding and co-firing
L. Federzoni, P. Revirand, PIM International, Vol.2 No. 3 September 2008

Liquid infiltration property of micro-porous stainless steel produced by powder space holder method
K. Nishiyabu, S. Matsuzaki, S. Tanaka, PIM International Vol.2 No. 3 September 2008

Material homogeneity in powder injection moulded ceramic microchannel arrays
C. Wu, S.V. Atre, S. Laddha, S Lee, K. Simmons, S.J. Park, R.M. German, D.T. Whychell Sr, PIM International, Vol.2 No. 2 June 2008

Powder injection moulding of cemented carbides for the production of micro parts and micro structure
L. Merz, S. Rath, B. Zeep, PIM International, Vol.1 No. 3 September 2007

Manufacturing and characterisation of isolated microparts made by PIM for a micro annular gear pump
T. Gietzelt, O. Jacobi, V. Piotter, R. Ruprecht, J. Hausselt, PIM International, Vol.1 No. 2 June 2007 Publishing technical papers and industry news with PIM International
If you are active in the developing MicroPIM technologies, manufacturing MicroPIM components or are a user of this technology we would like to hear from you.

Each issue of PIM International is packed with industry news, special features and technical papers. Contributions are always welcome. For information on how to contact us click here