Metal powders are mixed with a binder material to form a feedstock for Metal Injection Molding (MIM). Powders are often in spherical shapes to ensure good flowability, and they can be customized with specific compositions and sizes to achieve desired properties.
Commonly used metal powders in metal injection molds are various, including
- Stainless steel: useful in a variety of applications due to its corrosion resistance, strength, and ductility.
- Low alloy steels: ideal for demanding industrial applications for their high strength and wear resistance.
- Titanium alloys: useful in aerospace, medical, and other industries for their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.
- Cobalt-Chrome: commonly used in MIM for its high strength, wear resistance, and biocompatibility.