The titanium metal injection molding (MIM) process is a method of manufacturing near-net shape components at production volumes from titanium alloys. Unlike investment casting and additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, Titanium MIM has high density and low contamination potential, making it a preferred method for manufacturing medical implants, high-strength mechanical components, and other demanding applications.
Titanium MIM achieves high density compared to conventional powder metallurgy approaches. Fine titanium alloy particles are consolidated through heat and pressure, removing all the porosity between them. Because this process does not involve the high temperatures and reactive investment ceramics used in investment casting, the potential for contamination is greatly reduced.
How does a part go from a design to a high production volume part? While much of the work goes into the design of both the component and the injection molds to ensure reliability and tight dimensional tolerances, this article will largely focus on the physical manufacturing side of component production.
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