When compared to the price of metal products, MIM products typically weigh between 0.1 and 200 grams, with less than 50 grams being the most affordable. They can generate a wide range of complicated geometries similar to those found in plastic items, and they have excellent surface polish and great dimensional accuracy. For MIM, walls should be no thicker than 6 mm. However, because of the lengthy handling periods and additional materials required, thicker outer walls will cost more. For MIM, it is also possible to achieve walls that are so thin they are less than 0.5 mm, but the design has strict constraints.

The molding design of MIM products is a very important part, so what factors affect the molding cost?

MIM tool costs are based on concepts used in plastic injection molding. While there are several models, assuming that a conventional mold base will be purchased is the most accurate approach. Next, the amount of time needed to process the component features into the cavity is determined. The machining time of the first cavity is used to estimate the time and cost of each additional cavity when there are many cavities, taking into account the fact that the cost of machining reduces with experience. The whole construction time is multiplied by the shop’s hourly rate, plus the profit and administrative fees, to determine the mold cost.

The standard tooling base is assumed to be acquired and then modified into the unique design necessary for component molding in the full quantitative analysis of tool costs. It must be changed to incorporate certain cavities and related cooling, sprue, and runner channels. The hot runner material delivery method is the main source of the cost rise.

In many estimations, the tool tolerance is kept to less than 20% of the component allowance since tooling tolerances are more strict than part tolerances.  As a result, making a precise tool for a component with a tight tolerance takes a long time, especially if there are many features.

Tooling costs associated with the chosen die surface finish will be incurred, particularly if the die needs to be polished. The tooling’s texture, lettering, or logo can further add to the manufacturing process time and expense. Several factors affect the expense of mold. MIM tooling usually costs more than 5000 US dollars.