Ceramic Injection Molding

Ceramic Injection Molding

Ceramic Injection Molding (CIM) is a manufacturing process that combines ceramic powder with a plastic binder to produce parts with certain strength and density through injection molding.

Ceramic injection molding (CIM) technology is similar to the 1970s development of metal injection molding (MIM) technology, they are powder injection molding (PIM) technology, the main branch, are in the polymer injection molding technology on the basis of more mature development. Because it can produce complex shaped products, and high dimensional accuracy, less machining, surface finish, suitable for mass production, low cost, thus becoming the fastest growing and most widely used ceramic parts and components precision manufacturing technology in the international arena today. This ceramic preparation technology is especially widely used in the production of alumina ceramics.

Ceramic Injection Molding is the combination of two previously established technologies: Plastic Injection Molding and Powder Metallurgy. The CIM process results in complex shaped ceramic components that can help meet the varied needs of businesses.

Zirconia ceramic, also known as ZrO2 ceramic or Zirconia Ceramic, has excellent properties such as high melting and boiling points, high hardness, and insulation at room temperature, while exhibiting conductivity at high temperatures.

Ceramic Injection Molding

Feed preparation: Mixing, drying and granulation of suitable organic carriers (organic substances with different properties and functions) with ceramic powder at a certain temperature to obtain feed for injection;

Injection molding: the mixed injection mixture is heated and transformed into a viscous melt in the injection molding machine, injected into the metal mold at high speed under a certain temperature and pressure, cooled and solidified into the required shape of the blank, and then demolded;

Degreasing: Through heating or other methods, the organic matter in the injection molded blank is eliminated;

Sintering: the degreased ceramic billet is densified and sintered at high temperature to obtain dense ceramic parts with the required appearance shape, dimensional accuracy and microstructure.

Ceramic Injection Molding

With the increase in market demand and customer needs, the range of material that is available in DYT grows steadily in numbers. 

Among them are high purity oxide and carbides, such as Alumina and Zirconia, WC and SiC, as well as toughened Alumina and stabilized Zirconia. 

Ceramic materials: Al2O3, ZrO2

Material Collor Density (g/cm³) Hardness (HV10) Flexural strength/Mpa Fracture toughness (Mpa/m1/2) Relative permittivity Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) High temperature resistant (emp./℃)
ZrO2 Customizable 5.9~6.1 1150~1400 700~1300 5~15 25~35 2~8 1000
95# Al2O3 Customizable 3.4~3.6 1600~1800 300~400 2~4 8~10 18~25 1500
99# Al2O3 Customizable 3.7~4.0 1800~2100 350~450 2~4 8~10 25~35 1600

Ceramic Injection Molding Material Properties

▪ Exceptional Skin-Friendly Aesthetics
Low thermal conductivity ensures comfortable skin contact (no cold/hot sensation) and zero allergic reactions, making it ideal for wearable devices and medical applications.
Mirror-like polish achievable through precision finishing, with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) enabling customizable colors—from classic white to vibrant metallic hues—for elegant, premium designs.
▪ Non-Toxic, Safe, and Versatile
Biocompatible and inert, zirconia ceramic is widely adopted in medical & dental implants, mechanical components, telecommunications, luxury accessories, chemical engineering, new energy systems, and aerospace. Its adaptability spans high-stakes industries where safety and durability are non-negotiable.
▪ Superior Mechanical Performance
100% scratch/wear resistance with a Rockwell hardness of ~85HRA (twice as tough as sapphire).
Exceptional flexural strength (up to 1,200 MPa) and toughness (4–10 MPa·m½), outperforming brittle alternatives while maintaining lightweight precision.
▪ Enhanced Electrical Conductivity
3x higher electrical conductivity than sapphire, enabling superior signal sensitivity and zero EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding—critical for 5G antennas, wireless charging coils, and sensor integration in smartphones and wearables.
▪ Cost-Effective Precision Machining
Achieves ±0.002% dimensional accuracy (micron-level precision) through advanced molding and sintering, with production costs 1/4 of sapphire—delivering luxury-grade quality at scale.

Ceramic Injection Molding Advantages

Some CIM Advantages are:

  • Complex components.
  • Provides unique, economical solutions to increasingly stringent material and product design requirements.
  • Excellent batch to batch repeatability and process capabilities achieving tolerance of +/-0.5%.
  • High Surface finish quality without the need for additional finishing processes. 
  • Superior material performance, high hardness and mechanical strength, wear, corrosion and weathering resistant, dimensionally stable, high working temperature and good electrical insulator.
  • Can be used for metallised applications.

Ceramic Injection molded parts have applications in various industries, due to their ability to be shaped in complex geometries while maintaining a consistent quality.

The applications of CIM process are virtually boundless. As ceramic possesses high flexural strength, hardness and chemical inertness, it yields products that are highly corrosion resistant, wear resistant with long-life spans. Ceramic products are used in electronic assemblies, tools, optical & dental applications, as well as applications in telecommunication, instrumentation, chemical & textile industries.

Ceramic Injection Molding Medical Device Applications

Due to ceramic material properties, CIM components offer high hardness, excellent wear resistance, biocompatibility making it suitable as implants and for use in orthodontic applications.

CIM Medical Device Applications

Ceramic Injection Molding Consumer Electronics Applications

Cim Consumer Electronics Applications

Typical Normal applications are ceramic capacitors, heat insulators, ferrules for fiber optics.

Ceramic Injection Molding Automotive Applications

Typical Normal applications are ceramic washers, ceramic battery caps, ceramic seals for E-bike/ Bicycle Braking System.

cim-automotive

Future application scenarios of Ceramic Injection Molding

Medical: Biocompatible dental crowns and hip implants that mimic natural bone density.
Tech: Scratch-proof smartphone backplates with wireless charging compatibility (e.g., Xiaomi’s Mi Mix Alpha).
Luxury: Hypoallergenic jewelry that stays bright and smooth for life.
Aerospace: Heat-resistant components for jet engines, leveraging its 2,700°C melting point.

Ceramic Injection Molding (CIM) offers multiple advantages over conventional methods, making it an essential process for industries such as the automotive, medical, and consumer electronic fields that require high quality ceramic parts. These advanced ceramics bring flexibility, material strength, and cost efficiency, making them a top choice for manufacturers.

Zhuorui has the manufacturing capability needed to provide advanced CIM solutions and take your production to the next level. Contact us today to find out more about what we offer.

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