Metal Injection Moulding shows continuing high growth in North America

News
April 10, 2014

April 10, 2014

A report by Peter K Johnson published in the International Journal of Powder Metallurgy (No.1, 2014), states that shipments of metal powders for the Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) sector in North America grew to estimated market range of 1,125 to 1,440 metric tonnes in 2013, a rise of 15% to 25% over 2012.

Johnson put the estimated value of MIM sales in the $300-$350 million range. According to a survey of the sector undertaken by the Metal Injection Molding Association (MIMA) in 2013 there are around 70 MIM operations in North America of which 25% are captive (in-house). MIM components for the firearms industry are said to have the largest market share at 25% followed by medical devices and dental applications at 23% and automotive at 12%. Johnson stated that aerospace and defence currently make up only around 5% of MIM parts but this is expected to increase considerably as MIM finds new applications in the next generation of aircraft engines being introduced in the 2015 to 2020 timeframe. MIM aerospace parts are expected to include small blades and retainer rings made from superalloy powders such as Inconel and Hastelloy.

Johnson also reported on the outlook for MIM which according to the recent MIMA survey will give further growth this year and in 2015. MIMAalso identified technology improvements that will advance MIM applications. These include better carbon and dimensional control, improved cosmetic quality, better non-destructive testing methods for defect detection, and increased spending on R&D on special alloys and titanium.

www.mpif.org

 

News
April 10, 2014

In the latest issue of PIM International…

Download PDF

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

Don't miss any new issue of PIM International, and stay up to date with the latest industry news. Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter.

Sign up

Join our community

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
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap