Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Process (Step 2)

Molding is performed in a standard plastic injection molding machine. In this machine the feedstock is first heated until it is able to flow. This material is then injected under relatively low pressure into a mold cavity, allowed to cool and solidify, and finally ejected as an intricately shaped part. 

By utilizing multiple cavity molds, high production volumes can be achieved. For example, a four (4) cavity mold produces four identical parts each cycle. For small parts, cycle times of 20 seconds are typical. If production volumes warrant, even larger mold sets - with 6, 8, 10...cavities are utilized. Multiple cavity molds, however, do mean higher up-front tooling costs, but the resulting lower unit prices can more than compensate if volumes are sufficient. 

These "green parts" are then loaded onto fixtures for the remainder of the batch processing in loads ranging from 2,000 - 50,000 parts depending upon part sizes.