|
|
|
Micro-MIM
The increasing miniaturisation of components in various branches of engineering is leading to a growing demand for small, complex-shaped, high-strength components. In addition to the mechanical demands , special requirements are frequently made concerning chemical/physical specifications such as resistance to corrosion and oxidation, expansion under heat, conductivity or magnetic characteristics.
The process of Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) is especially suited to the manufacture of this type of component. The reason for this is a combination of the variety of geometrical design possibilities offered by plastic injection moulding and the wide range of powder metallurgical materials available. It is already possible to manufacture complex shaped metallic components with weights of less than 0.1 g and dimensions below 1 mm with highest accuracy in industrial production (fig. 1).
Schunk Sintermetalltechnik GmbH has declared it their target to further develop the MIM procedure especially for the manufacture of small and micro parts with tightest of tolerances and, for that reason, is closely cooperating with partners in industry and research. In addition to decreasing tolerances, our main objective is the manufacture of the finest moulded structures within a reliable industrial process (fig. 2).
|
|
