Over the last decade, the Metal Injection Molding industry enjoyed dramatic growth on the back of the rise of applications in smartphones. There are indications, however, that the tide is turning and the industry can no longer rely on the types of components that it once produced by MIM in the tens of millions a month. Here, Dr Chiou (Dr Q) reflects on the rise of MIM in the consumer electronics industry and explains what Chinese producers are doing to grow their businesses in Metal Injection Molding’s post-smartphone era. ... Read more »

In March 2007, the very first issue of PIM International featured a review of Metal Injection Molding in Asia. China’s MIM industry was estimated as having around twenty MIM firms, many modest in size and of limited capability, with Taiwan accounting for another fifteen. Fast forward less than fifteen years, and Greater China now accounts for half of global Metal Injection Molding production, is a leader in MIM-grade powder production, and is home to a host of production equipment manufacturers. Industry consultant Dr Chiou Yau Hung (Dr Q) assesses just what happened to drive this success: good fortune, good strategy, or a slice of both? ... Read more »