Custom Metal Injection Molding
Meco delivers turnkey custom metal injection molding solutions, combining the design freedom of plastic with the superior strength and density of wrought metal.
Why Choose Meco for Custom Metal Injection Molding?
We combine advanced material science, expert molding, and integrated post processing to deliver a complete component not just a molded part ensuring single-source accountability.
DFM Engineering Expertise
Our engineers optimize your part design specifically for the MIM process, ensuring robust quality, maximum cost-efficiency, and superior performance before production begins.
Integrated Secondary Operations
Parts move seamlessly from sintering to our in-house CNC machining, heat treatment, and finishing departments, delivering a fully completed component ready for assembly.
Guaranteed Quality & Consistency
Certified to IATF 16949, our robust quality systems control the entire process to guarantee lot-to-lot consistency and part integrity demanded by global industries.
Material Science at the Core
We select and blend the ideal feedstocks for your application, from stainless steels and low-alloy steels to titanium, ensuring specific mechanical performance requirements are met.
Custom Metal Injection Molding Materials
MIM Technical Specifications
Standardized material properties and validation methods based on ISO 22068-2014.
| Material Grade | Condition | Yield (Rp0.2) | Tensile (Rm) | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIM-316L | As Sintered | > 190 MPa | > 450 MPa | > 40% | < 90 HRB |
| MIM-17-4PH | As Sintered | > 700 MPa | > 900 MPa | > 4% | < 33 HRC |
| MIM-17-4PH | H900 (Heat Treated) | > 1000 MPa | > 1100 MPa | > 4% | > 33 HRC |
| Material Grade | Condition | Yield (Rp0.2) | Tensile (Rm) | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIM-4605 | As Sintered | > 230 MPa | > 420 MPa | > 12% | < 80 HRB |
| MIM-4605 | Heat Treated (Q&T) | > 1400 MPa | > 1600 MPa | > 1% | > 48 HRC |
| MIM-FeNi50 | As Sintered | > 150 MPa | > 400 MPa | > 20% | < 70 HRB |
| Grade | Carbon (Max) | Oxygen (Max) | Key Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIM-316L | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.30% | Mo: 2.0–3.0% |
| MIM-17-4PH | ≤ 0.07% | ≤ 0.30% | Cu: 3.0–5.0% |
| MIM-FeNi50 | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.30% | Ni: 49.0–51.0% |
| Grade | Min Density (g/cm³) | % Theoretical | Porosity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316L Stainless | 7.6 g/cm³ | ≥ 96% | Closed/Isolated |
| 17-4PH Stainless | 7.5 g/cm³ | ≥ 96% | Closed/Isolated |
| 4605 Low Alloy | 7.4 g/cm³ | ≥ 95% | Closed/Isolated |
| Test Method | ISO Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Testing | ISO 6892-1 | Verifies Yield, Tensile, and Elongation at ambient temperature. |
| Density | ISO 1183 | Archimedes method to ensure part solidity and lack of internal voids. |
| Hardness | ISO 6507 / 6508 | Vickers or Rockwell testing to confirm heat treatment success. |
| Impact Strength | ISO 148-1 | Charpy impact test for toughness verification (on request). |
Industries We Serve with Metal Injection Molding
Meco's advanced Custom Metal Injection Molding technology bridges the gap between design flexibility and material strength. Ideal for small, complex, and high-volume parts, our MIM process delivers exceptional accuracy, metallurgical integrity, and superior surface finishes for high-performance industries worldwide.
Aerospace
We engineer lightweight, high-precision MIM components such as fasteners, brackets, and actuator housings. Our process guarantees the metallurgical consistency and mechanical integrity required for flight-critical instrumentation and control systems.
Aerospace CapabilitiesAutomotive
MIM is the ideal solution for high-volume automotive components, including fuel systems, steering locks, and sensor housings. Our near-net-shape process minimizes machining costs while delivering repeatable strength and heat resistance for vehicle assemblies.
Automotive CapabilitiesHeavy Equipment
We efficiently produce complex levers, couplers, and wear-resistant tools using MIM technology. This process consolidates multi-part assemblies into single, robust components, offering exceptional toughness in compact geometries.
Heavy Equipment CapabilitiesAppliances
For consumer goods requiring durability and visual appeal, MIM creates intricate actuators, hinges, and motor housings. We deliver corrosion-resistant parts with refined surface finishes, eliminating the need for extensive secondary polishing.
Appliance CapabilitiesIndustrial
Our custom metal injection molding produces precision gears, locks, and mechanisms with tight tolerances. MIM ensures consistent material properties across large production runs, enhancing performance in demanding industrial environments.
Industrial CapabilitiesLighting
Meco delivers lightweight, complex structural parts for tools, fixtures, and handheld equipment. MIM balances high mechanical integrity with low production costs, making it the superior choice for intricate light manufacturing components.
Lighting CapabilitiesMedical
We manufacture biocompatible stainless-steel and titanium components for surgical instruments, implants, and diagnostic devices. Our MIM process meets stringent medical standards for precision, cleanliness, and sterilization resistance.
Medical CapabilitiesTelecommunications
MIM enables the production of durable, miniaturized connectors and housing components essential for modern telecom. We ensure precision alignment, excellent conductivity, and structural uniformity across high-frequency systems.
Telecom CapabilitiesFurniture
We merge complex geometry with strong metal performance to create aesthetically refined joint parts and mount fittings. MIM allows for the mass production of durable, lightweight components for modern workspace solutions.
Furniture CapabilitiesElectronics
Our miniature MIM components, including housings, buttons, and contact elements, deliver exceptional precision for compact devices. We maximize functionality and design appeal while maintaining tight tolerances for consumer electronics.
Electronics CapabilitiesCustom Metal Injection Molding vs Other Methods
MIM is the ideal choice when you need a combination of geometric complexity, high performance, and cost-efficiency at scale. Compare it with CNC Machining and Investment Casting below:
| Feature | Metal Injection Molding (MIM) | CNC Machining | Investment Casting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geometric Complexity | Excellent | Good (with limitations) | Excellent |
| Best for Volume | Excellent (High-Volume) | Best for Low to Medium Volume | Good for All Volumes |
| Material Waste | Very Low (Net-Shape) | High (Subtractive) | Low |
| Wall Thickness | Best for thin walls (<6mm) | No practical limit | Good for thicker walls |
| Cost per Part | Very Low (at scale) | High | Medium |
| Best For | Small, complex, high-volume parts | Prototypes, large parts, simple shapes | Large parts with complex internal features |
Metal Injection Molding FAQ
What is metal injection molding (MIM)?
Metal injection molding (MIM) is a manufacturing process that combines the design freedom of plastic injection molding with the strength and integrity of metal materials. It's ideal for producing complex, high-density metal parts with tight tolerances and minimal waste. Learn more in our detailed guide: What is Metal Injection Molding?
Is there a size limit for MIM parts?
MIM is best suited for small to medium-sized parts, typically weighing between 0.1 and 250 grams. The process is most cost-effective for parts that can fit in the palm of your hand.
How does MIM tooling cost compare to die casting?
MIM tooling is generally comparable to or slightly higher than die casting tooling due to the abrasive nature of the metal feedstock. However, for high-volume production of complex ferrous or high-temperature parts, the per-part cost savings make MIM a highly economical choice.
How to Get Started
Upload your 3D CAD models (STEP/IGES) and specify material, quantity, tolerances, and any surface finish or inspection requirements.
Engineering reviews your design for MIM suitability, optimizing orientation, fixturing, and toolpaths to balance cost, cycle time, and dimensional accuracy before issuing a quote.
Custom MIM tooling and molds are prepared, and process engineers generate the required injection parameters and sintering profiles for your specific alloy and geometry.
Parts are molded, debound, sintered, and inspected against drawings or 3D models, with dimensional reports available as needed before secure packaging and shipment.
Need Complex, High-Volume Metal Parts?
Upload your MIM design or part drawing and get a fast, accurate quotation from Meco's engineering team.
