| FloMet provides precision miniature components through metal injection molding (MIM). Metal powders are mixed with thermoplastic binders to form a homogeneous mixture, with approximately 60% volume metal powder and 40% volume plastic. The mixture (referred to as feedstock) is then injection molded at relatively low temperatures and pressures in conventional plastic injection molding machines. The molded green parts are then thermally processed in two steps. First, the binder is removed by evaporation in an operation called debinding. Next, the part is sintered in a dry hydrogen atmosphere, which densifies the part isotropically. The complex shape of the original molded part is retained throughout the process, and close tolerances can be achieved. Density is typically 95-98% of the wrought metal; mechanical properties and corrosion resistance are similar to wrought material Information provided by FloMet LLC. |
