Metal and ceramic parts fabricated by microminiature powder injection molding

Microminiature powder injection molding (μPIM) is a promising variant of powder injection molding (PIM) with development profiting by the demand for highly resistive micro products made of metal or ceramic materials. μPIM involves low-pressure or high pressure injection molding; the former is com- monly used for prototypes and small runs while the latter reflects medium and large-scale production. In relation to feedstock improvement, current research focuses on the exploitation of additives and the application of ultrafine powders. In terms of the μPIM shaping process, primary challenges are further miniaturization and the production of micro components with increased complexity. Presently, variants of multi-component μPIM are under development and the process parameters have to be adjusted for metals and ceramics to address issues of disconnection in micro areas. Examples are shaft―wheel combinations consisting of different couples of ceramics or metals. Depending on the powders and process parameters, mobile or immobile joints can be fabricated.