Metal Injection Molding vs Deep Drawn Stamping: Choosing the Right Process

Manufacturing industry-leading metal parts begins with shaping raw metal into the perfect form and dimensions. Luckily, there are numerous methods accessible to assist you in producing efficient metal parts. Choosing the most effective method for your project can be difficult. Every kind of metal forming presents distinct benefits and drawbacks, and no single method is ideal for all projects.

Two widely used metal forming methods are metal injection molding (MIM) and deep-drawn stamping (DDS). Each of these techniques can produce intricate metal components with high production rates. Therefore, which approach is most logical for your project?

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) versus Deep Drawn Stamping (DDS)

Metal forming techniques mold metal pieces without altering their volume, enabling producers and vendors to develop a range of metal tools, instruments, and components. Two prevalent methods of metal forming — metal injection molding and deep drawn stamping — present distinct benefits and drawbacks, based on the project requirements.

Metal injection molding creates intricate components, frequently at a reduced expense compared to metal casting or CNC machining. After a cast is created, MIM can shape components within seconds. Because MIM employs casting, it generates minimal production waste and can manage a diverse range of alloys and pre-alloyed metals. Significantly, metal injection molding is capable of producing intricate forms (e.g., threads, fins, etc.) on small components, although it’s not well-suited for complicated 3D structures. Nonetheless, there are also disadvantages. MIM casts frequently exhibit elevated mask hermeticity and greater pore dimensions compared to various other metal forming methods. 

The tool lifespan utilized in this process is likewise brief, which may increase expenses for projects demanding high output.

Deep-drawing metal employs specialized dies to form metal into various shapes. This method eliminates the need for a cast, which offers benefits in terms of cost efficiency and the longevity of tools. DDS can also produce highly intricate shapes by utilizing complex axisymmetric geometries with high efficiency. One more benefit of deep-drawn stamping is its capability to use different types of pre-alloy, alloy, and powdered metals — such as contemporary superalloys.

Deciding Between MIM and DDS

Metal injection molding and deep-drawn stamping each have their own pros and cons. The alloy you select, the specific technical needs of your project, and your production demands all influence the choice between these two metal forming methods.

MIM is ideal for initiatives that necessitate:

Minor parts that lack intricate three-dimensional forms

Components that do not need consistency due to inconsistencies caused during casting

Items that require varying thicknesses throughout different features.

Specific narrow tolerances

Level or even edges

MIM is not suitable for endeavors that demand:

3D items

Matching parts at elevated output

Specific tolerances

High consistency

Reduced porosity

DDS is ideal for initiatives that demand:

3D elements

Elements that have greater height than width

Specific narrow tolerances

Great cost efficiency

Uniformity of parts

Elevated throughput

Extended tool longevity

DDS is not suitable for projects that need:

Flawlessly straight borders

Minimal production runs or budget-friendly prototyping

Specific tolerances

Shinging Technologies' Approach

Shinging Technologies excels in custom manufacturing through deep-drawn stamping. We offer comprehensive DDS solutions and focus on assisting you in transforming projects that utilize non-optimal metal forming into deep-drawn stamping. Our selection of advanced machinery and technology enables us to handle intricate projects utilizing top-tier deep-drawn stamping methods. From sketching and sampling to creating designs, we’re prepared to assist you in achieving your next large-scale production endeavor.

Reach out to us today, and one of our internal metal forming specialists will get back to you.