• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Transporting Treatment: An Examination of Tubing Technologies

    Outward Appearance: Reviewing Surface Treatment Options

    Face to (Virtual) Face: Telemedicine Now and Post-Pandemic

    Voices for Medtech: AdvaMed and MDMA Leaders Share Thoughts

    Digitize Your QMS via an Enterprise Cloud Platform
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    CMS Establishes New Payment for Pelvalon’s Eclipse System

    Varian, Google Cloud Partner to Bring Convenience to Cancer Therapy

    Resonetics Leases New Manufacturing Space in Costa Rica

    Seisa Medical Acquires ProtoQuick and Peridot

    Masimo Device is Useful in Assessing Respiratory Status of Pediatric Tracheostomy Patients
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Transporting Treatment: An Examination of Tubing Technologies

    Outward Appearance: Reviewing Surface Treatment Options

    Face to (Virtual) Face: Telemedicine Now and Post-Pandemic

    Voices for Medtech: AdvaMed and MDMA Leaders Share Thoughts

    Digitize Your QMS via an Enterprise Cloud Platform
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Home Is Where the Heart (Valve) Is

    CGM: Digital Health Meets a Very Large Opportunity

    Biomechanical Engineer, Heal Thyself

    Optimizing MIM in Medical Device Manufacturing

    PPE and Diagnostics: Sourcing Domestically and Speeding Time to Market
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    Concise Engineering

    Forefront Medical Technology

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Creganna Medical, part of TE Connectivity

    Qosina Corp.
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Three Future Trends and Opportunities in Quality Assurance

    Adopting a Data-Driven Quality Model

    Digital Transformation for Quality and Manufacturing

    Digging into the Cardiac Arrhythmia Monitoring Device Market

    EMS Providers Supplying More Than Electronics to Customers
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    MW Life Sciences

    PTI Engineered Plastics Inc.

    Trademark Plastics Inc.

    Forefront Medical Technology

    Medicoil
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    A Primer on the Benefits of Metal Injection Molding

    High volume, high performance, complex surgical instrument parts are achievable at an affordable cost with the fabrication process.

    A Primer on the Benefits of Metal Injection Molding
    An assortment of parts made via metal injection molding.
    Related CONTENT
    • Bausch + Lomb's ClearVisc Dispersive Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device Approved
    • Optimizing MIM in Medical Device Manufacturing
    • ForSight Robotics Raises $10 Million in Seed Round
    • EssilorLuxottica to Buy Walman, a Vision Care Partner
    • GE Healthcare Reveals Vscan Air Wireless, Handheld Ultrasound
    Steve Santoro, EVP, MICRO10.13.20
    Today, medical device manufacturers are able to produce high-performance, complex geometric parts and components for surgical instruments at high volumes cost effectively using a metal injection molding (MIM) process. This flexible, hybrid technology should be part of any full-service contract manufacturer organization’s (CMO) offerings for its ability to deliver high-quality medical device parts consistently using a single manufacturing process.

    Demand for lightweight disposable surgical devices has been steadily increasing as hospitals see a distinct cost advantage for off-the-shelf, single-use products that do not require sterilization. With COVID-19, disposable sterile solutions that can help minimize risk of infection transmission in the hospital offer a safer alternative versus reusable instruments that undergo repeated use and sterilization. CMOs and their original equipment manufacturer partners (OEMs) can work together to address changing market needs with innovative technology, and MIM can help manufacturers meet the increased demand.

    Both MIM and traditional machining processes can be used to produce medical device components effectively and efficiently. MIM does not replace machining but it offers distinct advantages for certain high-volume, high precision projects where parts may be smaller and require more maneuverability along with strong mechanical properties.

    The MIM Process
    The MIM process is similar to plastic injection molding, but with metal feedstock. It integrates the shaping capability of plastic injection molding and materials flexibility of conventional powder metallurgy to efficiently produce small complex parts at high volumes using high temperature and pressure. The process uses combinations of metal powder and plastic binders that are blended and compounded so an injection moldable feedstock can be produced to fabricate the part.

    Using an injection molding machine, the parts produced are then subjected to a binder removal process. Depending upon the type of binder used, different methods of debinding are applied, and a thermal process to remove polymer is applied. The parts, after debinding, then go through a sintering process to ensure the right material composition, physical properties, and correct geometry. Newly molded parts are the shape of the final part but larger. The sintering process allows controlled shrinkage by 15 to 25 percent of full density. The end result is a net shape part. Further post-processing may be needed to arrive at the final part.

    MIM Versus Machining: Factors to Consider
    CMOs should consider several factors when determining whether to use MIM versus traditional machining, as both have advantages and disadvantages depending on each project scope and requirements. With MIM, components can be produced in a single manufacturing process. Machining and other technologies typically use multiple processes and require secondary operations, which require more labor. MIM may have several distinct advantages when considering the following factors:
    • Volume: MIM is cost-effective when large volumes are needed and lends itself well to automation where high volumes, tight tolerances, and consistent quality are required. In contrast, machining is more cost-effective for lower production volume runs. With MIM, the biggest cost is setup to create the mold, but after this initial investment, the cost can quickly be recovered when amortized over high-volume runs.
    • Material: A wide variety of materials can be used with MIM and the process allows a great degree of flexibility to customize material compositions to meet specific attributes required by an OEM customer. Selecting the right materials and feedstock composition are critical factors for success. Some of the compositions are stainless steels, low alloy steels, carbon steels, Ni-alloys, tool steels, and tungsten alloys. Unlike machining, there is less waste and scrap produced with a MIM process and fewer raw material inventories are needed, which can help reduce costs.
    • Properties: MIM is best suited for very small, high performing precision products and parts with tight tolerances and consistent dimensions over high-volume runs. Components can achieve 95 to 98 percent of wrought material density at a much lower cost.
    • Design Complexity: MIM is ideal for producing complex-shaped components with complicated design geometry, eliminating the need for multiple steps and assembly required with a machining process. In addition, MIM allows significant design freedom as parts can be designed and manufactured with minimal design restrictions. Nearly any design change can be made within a short development cycle and turnaround time. Design features such as thin wall sections, exterior and interior threads, holes, grooves, words, and numbers can all be achieved with MIM.

    Early Collaboration Is Key
    Today’s competitive medical device marketplace requires manufacturers to continually seek ways to reduce development cycles, production time, and costs in order to maximize value and return on investment. An experienced CMO partner can help OEMs select materials and optimize designs to ensure the success of any project. Collaboration early on in the development cycle is paramount for ensuring a component produced through metal injection molding meets the desired mechanical properties. A CMO partner with experienced MIM engineers on staff can help ensure MIM-produced parts are uniform and have consistent qualities without requiring assembly.

    Engineers with expertise in both MIM and machining processes can suggest design modifications and provide input to get the best performance out of a product no matter what technique is ultimately used. An experienced CMO partner can work with their OEM customers to factor in design considerations upfront that can save time and costs.

    Conclusion
    A MIM process is effective for production of small, intricate parts and products with complex geometries at high volumes, including handheld tools used for cutting and articulating during surgery. Devices produced through MIM have excellent strength and properties, offer great design flexibility, and can often be produced at a lower cost than traditional metal machining and die casting. A MIM process also reduces the need for secondary operations and raw materials, which add costs. For the right project, MIM can help CMOs and their OEM customers achieve a competitive market edge.


    Steve Santoro is EVP of medical device contract manufacturer MICRO, responsible for directing corporate technical and commercial teams. He previously held high-level operations, sales, engineering, and general management positions, and was recently appointed a charter board member of the School of Applied and Engineering Technology at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
    Related Searches
    • Molding
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Molding
    Suggested For You
    Bausch + Lomb Bausch + Lomb's ClearVisc Dispersive Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device Approved
    Optimizing MIM in Medical Device Manufacturing Optimizing MIM in Medical Device Manufacturing
    ForSight Robotics Raises $10 Million in Seed Round ForSight Robotics Raises $10 Million in Seed Round
    EssilorLuxottica to Buy Walman, a Vision Care Partner EssilorLuxottica to Buy Walman, a Vision Care Partner
    GE Healthcare Reveals Vscan Air Wireless, Handheld Ultrasound GE Healthcare Reveals Vscan Air Wireless, Handheld Ultrasound
    TransEnterix Establishes European Training Center TransEnterix Establishes European Training Center
    Physical and chemical characterization of medical devices Physical and chemical characterization of medical devices
    Memic Receives FDA Marketing Authorization for Hominis Memic Receives FDA Marketing Authorization for Hominis
    Navient Receives Chinese Regulatory Clearance for ENT Applications Navient Receives Chinese Regulatory Clearance for ENT Applications
    Quidel Opens New Manufacturing Facility to Boost COVID-19 Antigen Test Production Quidel Opens New Manufacturing Facility to Boost COVID-19 Antigen Test Production
    Where Component Design Functionality and Cost Reduction Converge Where Component Design Functionality and Cost Reduction Converge
    Refurbished Medical Imaging Equipment Market to be Worth $21.14 Billion By 2027 Refurbished Medical Imaging Equipment Market to be Worth $21.14 Billion By 2027
    Evolving Trends in the Medical and Orthopedic Devices Industry Evolving Trends in the Medical and Orthopedic Devices Industry
    Katena Products Welcomes New CEO Katena Products Welcomes New CEO
    New CEO Named at Alpha Source Group New CEO Named at Alpha Source Group

    Related Online Exclusives

    • Molding
      A

      A 'Trial and Error' Approach to Micromolded Parts

      The medical industry's stringent requirements makes innovation difficult for injection-molded components.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 12.07.20

    • Molding
      Tooling Precision is Key to Micromolding Success

      Tooling Precision is Key to Micromolding Success

      Tool quality dictates part quality for all sizes of medical components.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 12.03.20

    • Molding
      Medtech Miniaturization is Becoming a

      Medtech Miniaturization is Becoming a 'Way of Life'

      Micromolding suppliers should be ready to take on potential roadblocks when designing small parts.
      Michael Barbella 11.30.20


    • Molding
      Smaller Cavity Features Not Always Sensible for Micromolded Products

      Smaller Cavity Features Not Always Sensible for Micromolded Products

      Though the need to reduce size is crucial, small cavity characteristics may be challenging to reproduce in volume.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 11.24.20

    • Molding
      Miniaturization of Medical Devices Creating Big Assembly Challenges

      Miniaturization of Medical Devices Creating Big Assembly Challenges

      Extremely tight tolerances leave no room for error.
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 11.20.20

    • Molding
      The Need for Collaboration and DFM When Micro Molding

      The Need for Collaboration and DFM When Micro Molding

      Why a collaborative and transparent relationship between micro molder and client is important.
      Roger Hargens, CEO/President, Accumold 02.12.20


    • Molding
      5 Questions for Accumold at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      5 Questions for Accumold at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      Enabling more in the same space through micro injection molding.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.15.19

    • Materials | Molding | Packaging & Sterilization
      5 Questions for Colorite at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      5 Questions for Colorite at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      Thermoplastic elastomer compound line for a wide variety of uses in medical devices and packaging.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.15.19

    • Molding
      5 Questions for Apple Rubber at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      5 Questions for Apple Rubber at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      Micro molding capabilities for medical device manufacturers.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.15.19


    • Molding
      Reach the Students Earlier: Building a Passionate Medical Manufacturing Workforce

      Reach the Students Earlier: Building a Passionate Medical Manufacturing Workforce

      RJG Inc.'s global education and training integrator Shane Vandekerkhof explains the company's strategy to attract and retain a passionate workforce.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 08.30.19

    • Machining & Laser Processing | Molding
      How Medical Manufacturers Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

      How Medical Manufacturers Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

      Many of the standard activities from injection molding to welding and cutting can all reduce a facility’s air quality.
      Megan Ray Nichols, Science Writer; Editor, Schooled By Science 08.07.19

    • 3D/Additive Manufacturing | Molding
      How to Build a Passionate Medical Manufacturing Workforce

      How to Build a Passionate Medical Manufacturing Workforce

      GW Plastics' Cathy Tempesta shares the company's strategy to attract and develop a strong workforce.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 05.29.19


    • Cardiovascular | Contract Manufacturing | Electronics | Molding | Patient Monitoring
      Staying Dry: Waterproofing a Heart Monitor

      Staying Dry: Waterproofing a Heart Monitor

      Comar resolves market growth needs for the myPatch sl Holter recorder while enhancing design and addressing specific demands.
      Adrian Possumato, Principal Consultant, Medica Consulting 05.21.19

    • Molding
      Tolerances, Shrinkage, and Process Strategies

      Tolerances, Shrinkage, and Process Strategies

      Determining the best molding method for a given part, considering part shrinkage, can be tricky, but critically important to ensure fabrication is correct.
      Jeremy Williams, Consultant/Trainer—TZERO, RJG 02.28.19

    • Materials | Molding
      Off-Shelf to In-House: Upgrade in Material Enhances Customer Satisfaction

      Off-Shelf to In-House: Upgrade in Material Enhances Customer Satisfaction

      Qosina utilizes CYROLITE G-20 HIFLO to create new disposable luer lock connector.
      Becca Fantano, Marketing Communications Specialist, Performance Materials, Evonik Cyro 01.14.19


    Trending
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • Cheetah Medical Introduces Noninvasive Monitoring System
    • Face Mask Filters 98 Percent Of COVID-19 Particles
    • Diagnosing The IVD Market: An Interview With TEAM Technologies
    • Top 10 Trends In The Medical Device And Equipment Industry
    Breaking News
    • CMS Establishes New Payment for Pelvalon’s Eclipse System
    • Varian, Google Cloud Partner to Bring Convenience to Cancer Therapy
    • Resonetics Leases New Manufacturing Space in Costa Rica
    • Seisa Medical Acquires ProtoQuick and Peridot
    • Masimo Device is Useful in Assessing Respiratory Status of Pediatric Tracheostomy Patients
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    April 2021

    • Transporting Treatment: An Examination of Tubing Technologies
    • Face to (Virtual) Face: Telemedicine Now and Post-Pandemic
    • Outward Appearance: Reviewing Surface Treatment Options
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Kyowa Hakko Launches Heat-Treated Probiotic Strain for Eye Health
    CGA-7 Green Coffee Extract by Vidya Herbs Achieves Self-Affirmed GRAS Status
    Nutritional Complex Evidenced to Reduce Preterm Birth
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Barentz Expands Canadian CASE Team
    Shepherd Color Company Opens Sales Office in China
    Chromaflo Technologies Awarded Gold Status CSR Rating by EcoVadis in EMEA
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    CMS Establishes New Payment for Pelvalon’s Eclipse System
    Varian, Google Cloud Partner to Bring Convenience to Cancer Therapy
    Resonetics Leases New Manufacturing Space in Costa Rica
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Frontage Expands Capabilities at its Clinical Site in Secaucus, NJ
    Ascendia Pharmaceuticals Poised for Expansion
    Bora Pharmaceuticals Adds Roller Compaction Capabilities
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Revlon Unveils New Fragrances Featuring Megan Thee Stallion & Sofia Carson
    Henkel Management Board Welcomes Wolfgang König
    Mielle Organics Gets a Major Investment
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Nature’s Beauty Debuts Vegan Natural Body Care at Walgreens
    Estée Lauder Expands Beautiful Fragrance Collection
    What You’re Reading on Happi.com
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    SE-DA Invests in Kornit Presto S
    Kumon North America Adds Speedmaster XL 106 from Heidelberg
    Iron Oxide Pigments Market to Register 4.7% CAGR from 2021 to 2028: GVR
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Dantex elevates Joseph Sanchez to digital business development manager
    Mactac's Kevin Clunie joins TLMI panel
    MacDermid announces two new global sales roles
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Precision Textiles Offers Biodegradable Medical Fabric
    Northshore Launches Megamax Briefs in New Colors
    Essity Acquires Distribution Rights to Sorbact in Australia and New Zealand
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    New Biosealant Could Stabilize Cartilage, Boost Healing After Injury
    Google Executive Joins SeaSpine's Board of Directors
    HSS and LimaCorporate Open Provider-Based 3D Design and Printing Facility
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Tive Multi-sensor Tracker Solo 5G Relies on Sensirion SHT33
    VTT in 2020: Successful Year Despite Globally Challenging Times
    Lux Research: 3D Printing Market to Reach $51 Billion in 2030

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login