How Asia’s MIM industry is accelerating metal AM growth
A new feature article in the latest issue of PIM International magazine explores how the Asia-Pacific region has become the world’s largest Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) production base for small, complex metal components, and why its growing convergence with metal Additive Manufacturing could reshape the future of precision manufacturing.
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Authored by Dr Yau-Hung Chiou (Dr Q), Dr Yu-Deh Chao (Dr James), Emma Lawn and Nick Williams, the article examines the rapid expansion of MIM across Greater China and the wider Asia-Pacific region, where more than 350 of the world’s 550-plus MIM manufacturing facilities are now located.
While MIM has long been established as a high-volume manufacturing technology, the authors show how advances in materials, powder production, equipment and applications are enabling the process to move into increasingly sophisticated sectors.
Consumer electronics remains the dominant market, particularly across mainland China and Taiwan, where ICT applications account for around 80% of MIM sales, with Apple-related products alone representing around 40% of overall MIM consumption. However, new opportunities are emerging in AI infrastructure, data-centre hardware, robotics, medical devices, wearables and automotive applications.
The authors also discuss how leading manufacturers in the greater China region are expanding beyond traditional MIM, developing integrated production platforms that combine MIM, CNC machining, casting technologies, laser processing, and Additive Manufacturing. This diversification reflects a broader industry shift towards flexible, multi-process manufacturing strategies capable of addressing increasingly complex product requirements.
The article also highlights how advances in process capability are enabling MIM to move into larger and more demanding applications. As component sizes increase and material efficiency improves, the technology is increasingly competing with conventional manufacturing routes such as investment casting and machining in selected hardware applications.
MIM helping to accelerate the industrialisation of Binder Jetting
Of particular interest to the metal AM community is the article’s examination of the growing overlap between MIM and Additive Manufacturing. Shared powder supply chains, common sintering infrastructure and increasing use of fine powder fractions are creating strong links between the two sectors. The article explains how established MIM expertise is helping accelerate the industrialisation of Binder Jetting, while also supporting broader adoption of AM technologies across consumer electronics and other high-value markets.
For anyone seeking to understand how MIM is evolving in Greater China and the wider Asia-Pacific region, and how its growing convergence with metal Additive Manufacturing is reshaping precision manufacturing, this comprehensive report provides valuable market intelligence and technical insight.
Read the full article here.
