Metal Injection Molding: A dynamic global industry

 

Powder Injection Molding (PIM), which encompasses Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and Ceramic Injection Moulding (CIM), is a major manufacturing technology with sales estimated to be approaching $5 billion a year.

Metal Injection Molded parts production accounts for around 90% of the total market for PIM products, which continues to see annual growth worldwide. Ceramic Injection Molded components account for the balance, along with cemented carbides.

Powder Injection Molding is a truly global business, with many hundreds of parts producers worldwide. According to recent data, Asia is the world’s largest PIM producing region by sales, followed by Europe and North America.

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Applications for Metal Injection Molding

Many objects we encounter in everyday life such as cars, smartphones, watches, medical devices, domestic appliances, cameras and power tools contain Metal Injection Molded parts.

So many applications for Metal Injection Molding have been published to-date that it is impossible to give a comprehensive overview, but a number of application examples are provided later in this review that demonstrate the strengths and potential of this technology.

Regional market variations

The differences in markets for Metal Injection Molding by world region is quite distinct with, in general terms, Asia dominated by consumer electronics, North America by medical, orthodontic and firearms applications, and Europe by automotive and consumer products.

> Next page: The Metal Injection Molding process

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In the latest issue of PIM International…

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Extensive MIM, CIM industry and sinter-based AM industry news, plus the following exclusive deep-dive articles and reports:

  • INMATEC Technologies: Celebrating 25 years as a driving force behind Ceramic Injection Moulding
  • A year of change: Turbulence in China’s MIM industry as markets evolve
  • Ceramic Injection Moulding: The impact of variotherm and conformal cooling technology on part quality and process capability
  • The Additive Manufacturing of multi-material and multi-functional ceramic components

The latest news from the MIM, CIM and sinter-based AM industries

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Discover our magazine archive…

The free-to-access PIM International magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of MIM, CIM and sinter-based AM from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

 

Browse the archive

 

Looking for suppliers of materials, production equipment and finished MIM, CIM or sinter-based AM parts?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of PIM International.

  • Metal powders
  • MIM, CIM & AM parts producers
  • Binders & feedstocks
  • Feedstock mixers
  • Furnaces & furnace supplies
  • Atmospheres & gas generation
  • HIP systems & services
  • Injection moulding machines
  • AM technology
  • Debinding systems
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