Injection Molding of Metals and Ceramics

Powder injection molding (PIM) combines the processability of plastics and the superior material properties of metals and ceramics to form high performance components. The process comprises of several stages. Metal or ceramic powder and organic materials are combined into a homogeneous feedstock which is then injection molded into a desired shape. The organic constituent is then removed from the object and sintering is done to form a rigid structure of controllable density. The important benefits afforded by PIM include near net-shape production of complex geometries in the context of low cost and rapid fabrication at high production volumes.