Origin and Development of MIM Technology

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) has its roots in the powder injection molding of ceramic spark plugs in the 1920s. However, it was not until 1979 that Parmatech, established by Wiech and others, won awards for their metal injection molding products. This marked the beginning of a shift from ceramic injection molding to metal injection molding.

In the past, the development and application of MIM faced several challenges, including the lack of suitable powder and high raw material costs, limited knowledge and technology, slow market acceptance, long production cycles, and insufficient investment. However, in the mid-1980s, the United States formulated an advanced powder engineering plan to address these difficulties and promote the practical application of MIM. Japan, Germany, and other countries also actively conducted research on MIM development.

In 1980, Wiech established Witec Company, which was later acquired by Brunswick Company in 1982. Brunswick Company registered subsidiaries such as Omark Industry, Remington Military Products, and Rocky Dental. In 1986, the Japanese company Nippon Seison introduced the Wiech process, and in 1990, Israel Metalor2000 established a MIM production line using Parmatech's Wiech technology.

With advancements in MIM research, including new binders, powder making technology, and degreasing processes, industrialization was achieved in the early 1990s. After more than 20 years of development, MIM has become a rapidly growing and highly promising near-net shape technology in the international Powder Metallurgy field. It is recognized as one of the most popular metal parts forming technologies worldwide.