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MPIF Standard 35, Metal Injection Molded Parts—2016 Edition
Typical Values
For each MIM material listed, a set of typical values is
shown for properties, e.g., density, hardness, elongation,
etc., some or all of which may be important for a specific
application. Typical values are shown for properties,
e.g., elongation, hardness, coercive field, etc., some or
all of which may be important for a specific application.
The property data were compiled from test specimens
processed by individual MIM producers.
The typical values are listed for general guidance
only. They should not be considered minimum values.
While achievable through normal manufacturing
processing, they may vary somewhat depending upon
the area of the component chosen for evaluation, or
the specific manufacturing process utilized. Those
properties listed under the “typical value section” for
each material which are required by the purchaser
should be thoroughly discussed with the MIM parts
manufacturer before establishing the specification.
Required property values, other than those expressed
as minimum should be separately specified for each
MIM part, based on its intended use.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of each material lists its
principal elements and allowable ranges.
Mechanical Properties
Mechanical property data indicate the minimum and
typical properties that may be expected from test
specimens conforming to the density and chemical
composition criteria listed. It should be understood that
mechanical properties used in this standard were
derived from individual test specimens prepared
specifically for material evaluation and sintered under
commercial production conditions.
Hardness values of heat treated specimens are given
first as apparent hardness and second, when available,
as equivalent particle or matrix hardness values.
Residual porosity found in MIM components will slightly
affect the apparent hardness readings. Microin-
dentation hardness values shown as Rockwell C were
converted from 100 g load (0.981 N) Knoop microin-
dentation hardness measurements.
Heat Treatment
MIM materials may be heat treated to increase strength,
hardness and wear resistance. The percentages of car-
bon, alloying elements and residual porosity determine
the degree of hardening possible. Tempering or stress
relief is required after quenching for optimum strength
and durability. Ferrous MIM parts processed with little
or no final carbon may be surface carburized for
increased surface hardness while retaining core
toughness. Martensitic and precipitation hardening
stainless steels may also be heat treated for increased
hardness and strength.
Most MIM materials respond well to normal wrought
heat treating practices and procedures. It is recommended
that the heat-treatment procedures for any MIM
material be established in cooperation with the MIM
part manufacturer to achieve the desired balance of
final properties in the finished part.
Surface Finish
The overall finish and surface reflectivity of MIM materi-
als depends on density, tool condition, particle size and
secondary operations. Effective surface smoothness of
as-sintered MIM components is usually better than an
investment cast surface. Surface finish can be further
improved by secondary operations such as coining,
honing, burnishing or grinding. The surface finish
requirements and methods of determination must be
established by mutual agreement between purchaser
and producer. (See MPIF Standard 58 for additional
details.)
Microstructure
MIM materials generally contain less than 5%
porosity, approaching the density of wrought materials.
The examination of the microstructure of a MIM part
can serve as a diagnostic tool and reveal the degree of
sintering and other metallurgical information critical to
the metal injection molding process. There are several
observations common to most sintered MIM materials,
as briefly described below. Comments on specific
materials will be found in the subsections devoted to
those particular materials.
Sintered parts are normally examined first in the
unetched condition. With a proper sinter, there will be
no original particle boundaries seen at 200X. Small,
uniformly distributed, well rounded discrete pores lead
to higher strength, ductility and impact resistance.
MIM Material Designation
The Metal Injection Molding Association has chosen
to use the designation system similar to AISI-SAE
where applicable. These designations were chosen
because MIM parts are likely to be used as
replacements for wrought products already in service.
When specifying a material made by the MIM process,
it should be so designated with a “MIM” prefix to the
material grade. For example, a part fabricated from
Type 316L stainless steel by MIM would be designated
as "MIM–316L".
Material Selection
Before a particular material can be selected, a careful
analysis is required of the design of the part and its
end use. In addition, the final property requirements of
the finished part should be agreed upon by the
manufa
cturer and the
purchaser of the MIM part.
Issues such as static and dynamic loading, wear
resistance, machinability and corrosion resistance may
also be specified.