Metal Injection Molding Produces Precise, Complex Components

For the last 25 years, the metal injection molding industry has grown at a steady rate. In the 70s it was predicted that the MIM process would grow at the rate of 18 to 22% per year. But because of some challenges with the materials, known as feedstocks in the industry, the initial growth was slow. Typically feedstocks were mixed by the individual companies involved in making metal injection molded components. The inconsistency in the mixing of the feed stocks led to part variation that was unacceptable in a wide variety of precision applications.

As more and more components were designed using the metal injection molding process, larger manufacturers became interested in developing feed stocks. Two major players were Allied Bendix and BASF. This enabled companies without metallurgists and large technical staffs to become involved in the process. The number of companies producing metal injection molded parts grew.

Then with the advancement in digital process controls, processing equipment became more exacting with greater process control. Now, plastic injection molding machines and furnaces are able to produce complex shapes with greater consistency.

So what types of components are good candidates for the metal injection molding process? The answer to that is it depends upon the configuration of the part. But in general terms, if a part can be plastic injection molded, it can be metal injection molded (as long as the part does not have any undercuts).

A wide variety of materials can be molded. Carbon, alloy and stainless steels are molded day in and day out with titanium catching up quick. Lots of development is being done with titanium for medical devices.

The industries using a lot of MIM components are firearms, medical device, dental equipment and electronics. Most of the parts are relatively small, less than 1 1/2" in length. But we have molded parts 7" long.

Even though most materials have 18% shrink, dimensions are very consistent. Tolerances can be held to plus or minus .001 for small critical dimensions.

Remember, tooling for this process is virtually the same as plastic injection molding. So small precise parts are good candidates for the MIM process. MIM tools cost the same as plastic molding - $15,000 - $50,000 and up. But if you are looking at components that get machined and you can eliminate machining costs, you can pay for tooling very quickly.

If you have an application that fits these general parameter, visit the website www.metalinjectionmolding.com for more information about the process.

Carl Kruse is a speaker, author and sales engineer in the product development field. He can be reached at www.manufacturingtips.com or by e-mail at carl@krusetechnologies.com

Mold in the Kitchen can be the Result of Plumbing Problems

Some people believe that mold is a basement problem or possibly it will appear on an outer wall. The facts are mold is not that choosey, it will happily develop anywhere the conditions are right. Leaky plumbing will make the inner part of the lower cupboards moist. The wet wood is exactly the kind of base for fungus to grow on. There are molds that will grow on wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, carpet, sheet rock, and insulation. Mold spore are everywhere just waiting to grow. There is no real way to get rid of all mold and mold spores from your home. The only way to control mold growth is to control the moisture level in your home.

There are many pieces of plumbing in the kitchen that can spring a leak. Either the supply lines or the drain lines can erode and begin to weep then drip and finally run. Often these growing problems go unnoticed until the last stage. Longstanding moisture from the weeping and dripping is all the water necessary to provide the growth conditions. Now do not get in a panic if you have a pipe spring a leak and you catch it in a week or so. It is very unlikely that this would be long enough to establish a mold culture.

When you find a leak there are a few basic steps to follow. First close the water supply valve to the area. There is probably a zone shut-off valve or for that area of your home. If the valve does not stop the water close the main water valve for the house Now mop up the water and dry out the area, maybe use a fan if there is a lot of moisture. Now address the leaky item. If the faulty part is a faucet or a supply riser line, you will be able to replace it yourself. However if it is one of the soldered in pipes, you may be well advised to hire a plumber to replace it. Often amateurs will create more problems when trying to solder new pieces into old pipe systems.

Some repairs are easier to do than others are. Many just take time and some are a major hassle. Particularly difficult are those that involve working on pipes that are hidden behind walls or under floors. If in doubt wire a professional. If a small section of a line springs a leak, it is likely that the whole pipe needs replacement. Fix all plumbing problems immediately it is best for the home.

If you keep on top of moisture problems and run your kitchen fan whenever cooking causes steam, you should never have a mold problem in your kitchen. This not only saves you money but more important, it is healthier for you and your family.

Jim Stewart has been involved with home construction and improvement for over 40 years as a tradesman, contractor and site supervisor and has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. Jim is a student of the industry and gladly passes on what he has learned. Jim is now the also the publisher of http://www.best-kitchens.com/ and http://www.Basement-Central.com/

Jim can be contacted at Homes42005@yahoo.com