Brief introduction of AIM process and development status of AIM production equipment

MIM and CIM are two branches of the powder injection molding process, with MIM being the earliest and most mature branch. MIM is considered the most popular component forming technology in the 21st century. However, in recent years, there has been increasing attention towards aluminum alloy injection molding (AIM), which is a special composite metal with excellent properties.

AIM differs from ordinary metals or alloys in terms of its injection molding characteristics, requiring specialized production equipment. Initially, traditional Powder Metallurgy and injection molding equipment were used for AIM, but they were not able to meet its specific production needs. The use of non-specialized equipment resulted in a significant reduction in product quality.

Research on AIM production equipment, particularly mixing and granulation equipment, and injection equipment, has only started in recent years due to the advanced nature of aluminum alloy injection molding technology. Some universities and companies in China, such as Nanjing Science and Technology Co., Ltd., have made significant progress in this field, ranking among the top three in the world.

The friction coefficient of aluminum alloy powder is smaller than that of ordinary metal powder and ceramic powder, allowing it to be used in conjunction with them in terms of mixing and injection equipment. As AIM enterprises increasingly demand production efficiency, equipment automation, continuous processing, and equipment performance, machinery and equipment manufacturers have begun to develop professional AIM mixing machines, granulators, and injection machines.

A few mechanical equipment manufacturers in China have achieved preliminary results in the research and development of specialized AIM production equipment through collaborations with universities. Some enterprises have already started testing these equipment. The functions and characteristics of AIM production equipment are still being explored and improved through production practices. It is expected that with advancements in science and technology, these production equipment will continue to develop towards intelligence, environmental protection, and automation.