MIM Material Properties
The diverse properties of MIM materials
MIM metal need chemistry modification to withstand complex metal injection molding process. As various materials are available for metal injection molding, we divided these metal material into following types in functional area:
Ferrous alloys: steel, stainless steel, tool steel, low alloy steel, iron-nickel alloy, special ferrous alloys like Invar and Kovar.
Tungsten alloys: tungsten heavy alloys and tungsten-copper
Hard materials: cemented carbides (WC-Co), and cermet (Fe-TiC)
Special materials: precious metals, titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium, nickel, nickel-base super alloys, molybdenum, molybdenum-copper, and particulate composites
We specialize in stainless steels, low alloy steels and special alloys for MIM. In addition, we can provide special or custom materials that meet the performance requirements to produce your precision MIM parts.
Stainless Steel
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) process can achieve high density, enhance strength, ductility and corrosion resistance of stainless steel. All these materials are manufactured from pre-alloyed or elemental blend stainless steel with different grades of austenitic, ferritic, martensitic and precipitation hardening.
Stainless steel 316L (UNS No. S31603) is widely applied in reason of its characteristics of high creep resistance, excellent form-ability, high corrosion and pitting resistance. This metal also has excellent elongation and ductility, and non-magnetic. Components of this metal are used in electronic, marine and medical industry. MIM stainless steel 316L is safe for food and water storage in reason of it high strength and corrosion resistance characters. These properties can resist potential of break down and chronic corrosion in contact with acids. Low carbon and high alloy consistence ensure MIM 316L is a great fit for food grade application. ZCMIM has widely application in watch case, electronic component, watch strap with stainless steel 316L, in order to guarantee its great surface appearance and corrosion resistance requirement.
Stainless Steel 316L Composition
| Stainless steel 316L | Iron | Nickel | Molybdenum | Silicon | Carbon | Chromium | Phosphorus | Manganese | Nitrogen | Sulfur |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 10.00-14.00 | 2.00-3.00 | 0.75 | 0.03 | 16.00-18.00 | 0.045 | 2.00 | 0.10 | 0.03 |
Stainless Steel 316L Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Impact Strength | Hardness | Elongation(% in 25.4mm) |
| Stainless steel 316L | ≥7.85g/cm³ | ≥450 Mpa | ≥140Mpa | 190J | 100-150 HV10 | ≥40% |
Stainless steel 304（UNS No. S30400）has similar mechanical properties as 316L, while it has less corrosion resistance than 316L. In addition, its material price is less than 316L.
Stainless Steel 304 Composition
| Stainless steel 304 | Iron | Nickel | Silicon | Carbon | Chromium | Phosphorus | Manganese | Nitrogen | Sulfur |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 8.00-11.00 | 1.00 | 0.08 | 18.00-20.00 | 0.035 | 2.00 | 0.10 | 0.03 |
Stainless Steel 304 Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation(% in 25.4mm) |
| Stainless steel 304 | ≥7.75g/cm³ | ≥480Mpa | ≥160Mpa | 100-150 HV10 | ≥40% |
Stainless steel 420 (UNS No. S42000) is a combination of high strength, hardness and wear resistance with moderate corrosion resistance. This martensitic grade stainless steel is magnetic and less distortion with vacuum heat treatment. It’s always applied for automotive, aerospace, cutlery and tools.
Stainless Steel 420 Composition
| Stainless steel 420 | Iron | Silicon | Carbon | Chromium | Phosphorus | Manganese | Sulfur |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 1.00 | 0.15 | 12.00-14.00 | 0.040 | 1.00 | 0.030 |
Stainless Steel 420 Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation(% in 25.4mm) |
| Stainless Steel 420 | ≥7.55g/cm³ | ≥750Mpa | ≥600Mpa | 82J | 30-39HRC | ≥1% |
Stainless steel 440C (UNS No. S44004) is martensitic grade, this alloy has excellent strength, hardness and wear resistance. This stainless steel is used for high strength, hardness and wear resistance requirement, such as automotive, hand tools and sporting equipment
Stainless Steel 440C Composition
| Stainless steel 440C | Iron | Silicon | Carbon | Chromium | Manganese | Molybdenum |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 1.00 | 0.95-1.2 | 16.00-18.00 | 1.00 | 0.75 |
Stainless Steel 440C Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation(% in 25.4mm) |
| Stainless steel 440C | ≥7.50g/cm³ | ≥700Mpa | ≥600Mpa | 115J | 30-39 HRC | ≥1% |
Stainless steel 17-4 PH (UNS No. S17400) is precipitation harden grade, this alloy provides good balance between corrosion resistance and strength. Its hardness can vary to different strength levels with different heat-treating temperature.
Stainless Steel 17-4PH Composition
| Stainless Steel 17-4 PH | Iron | Nickel | Silicon | Carbon | Chromium | Niobium | Manganese | Copper | Sulfur |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 3.00-5.00 | 1.00 | 0.07 | 15.50-17.50 | 0.15-0.45 | 1.00 | 3.00-5.00 | 0.03 |
In reason of low carbon content in stainless steel 17-4PH, it has better corrosion resistance than 400 series stainless steels. Modifying temperature during heating treatment can achieve wide rage of hardness and properties. Which encourage it wide application in aircraft, dental, medical and surgical industries.
Stainless Steel 17-4PH Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation(% in 25.4mm) |
| Stainless Steel 17-4 PH (Sintered) | ≥7.65g/cm³ | ≥950Mpa | 730Mpa | 140J | 25~30 HRC | ≥3% |
Stainless Steel 17-4PH Mechanical Properties（H900）
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation(% in 25.4mm) |
| stainless steel 17-4 PH H900 | 7.7g/cm³ | 1206Mpa | 1089Mpa | 140J | 40HRC | 9% |
Stainless Steel 17-4PH Mechanical Properties（H1100）
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation(% in 25.4mm) |
| Stainless steel 17-4 PH H1100 | 7.7g/cm³ | 1000Mpa | 910Mpa | 140J | 34HRC | 12% |
P.A.N.A.C.E.A. is also known as X15 CrMnMoM17-11-3, it is a non-magnetic and nickel free stainless steel, and applied widely in consumer electronics industry.
P.A.N.A.C.E.A. Composition
| P.A.N.A.C.E.A. | Iron | Nickel | Molybdenum | Manganese | Carbon | Chromium | Nitrogen | Sulfur | Phosphorus |
| Percent by Weight | Bla. | 0.0-0.1 | 3.0-3.5 | 10.0-12.0 | 0.0-0.2 | 16.5-17.5 | 0.75-0.90 | 0.00-0.03 | 0.00-0.045 |
P.A.N.A.C.E.A. Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness(as sintered) | Hardness(heat treated) | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| P.A.N.A.C.E.A. | ≥7.50g/cm³ | ≥1090Mpa | ≥690Mpa | 300HV10 | 270HV10 | ≥35% |
Low Alloy Steel
Fe-based alloy is also called as low alloy steel, which is generally used for structural applications, in reason of high hardness and strength in property.
MIM 4605 has exceptional strength and good ductility through MIM process, it has wide usage in industry of automotive, consumer products and hand tools.
MIM-4605 Composition
| MIM-4605 | Iron | Silicon | Carbon | Nickel | Molybdenum |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 1.00 | 0.40-0.60 | 1.50-2.50 | 0.20-0.50 |
MIM-4605 Mechanical Properties
Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| MIM-4605 | ≥7.50g/cm³ | ≥600Mpa | ≥400Mpa | 70J | ≥90 HV10 | ≥5% |
Quench and temper heat treatment can be applied for this alloy, in order to create various strength and ware resistance properties. Normally, we can produce low hardness and high hardness special types as following:
MIM-4605 Low Hardness Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| MIM-4605 | ≥7.5g/cm³ | 1151Mpa | 1034Mpa | 38J | 36 HRC | ≥3% |
MIM-4605 High Hardness Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| MIM-4605 | ≥7.5g/cm³ | 1655Mpa | 1480Mpa | 55J | 48 HRC | ≥2% |
This nickel steel is suitable for mechanical and structural components with superior strength and finish. Heat-treating is a common post-processing to increase both strength and hardness.
Fe02Ni Composition
| MIM Fe02Ni | Iron | Carbon | Nickel | Sulfur | Phosphorus |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 0.40-0.60 | 1.50-2.50 | 0.00-0.03 | 0.00-0.035 |
Fe02Ni Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| MIM Fe02Ni | ≥7.55g/cm³ | ≥260Mpa | ≥150Mpa | ≥90 HV10 | ≥3% |
Fe04Ni is suitable for components with superior strength and finish. Heat-treating is a common secondary process to increase both strength and hardness.
Fe04Ni Composition
| Fe04Ni | Iron | Carbon | Nickel | Sulfur | Phosphorus |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 0.40-0.60 | 3.00-5.00 | 0.00-0.03 | 0.00-0.035 |
Fe04Ni Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| Fe04Ni | ≥7.60g/cm³ | ≥630Mpa | ≥380Mpa | ≥90 HV10 | ≥3% |
Fe08Ni has higher nickel content than Fe04Ni, this results in higher yield strength than both Fe02Ni and Fe04Ni. This nickel steel is suitable for mechanical and structural components with superior strength and finish.
Fe08Ni Composition
| MIM Fe08Ni | Iron | Carbon | Nickel | Sulfur | Phosphorus |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 0.40-0.60 | 7.0-9.0 | 0.00-0.03 | 0.00-0.035 |
Fe08Ni Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| MIM Fe08Ni | ≥7.65g/cm³ | 630Mpa | ≥400Mpa | ≥90 HV10 | 3% |
MIM Fe03Si has low core losses and high electrical resistance in AC and DC application, such as solenoids, armatures and relays. It is particular suitable for net shape forming by MIM method.
Fe03Si Composition
| Fe03Si | Iron | Silicon | Carbon | RoHS Compliant |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 2.5-3.5 | 0.05 | Yes |
Fe3%Si Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| Fe03Si | ≥7.55g/cm³ | 227Mpa | 151Mpa | 100-180HV10 | 24% |
MIM Fe50%Ni has hallmark magnetic properties of high permeability and low coercive field, it is widely used for magnetic shielding applications, such as motors, switches and relays.
Fe50Ni Composition
| Fe50Ni | Iron | Nickel | Silicon | Carbon | RoHS Compliant |
| Percent by Weight | Bal. | 49.00-51.00 | 1.00 | 0.01 | Yes |
Fe50Ni Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) | Permeability | Magnetization Intensity |
| Fe50Ni | ≥7.85g/cm³ | 468Mpa | 165Mpa | 110-160 HV10 | 30% | μmax =28000 | Js(4Ka/m)=1.36T |
MIM Fe50Co has excellent magnetic properties of high permeability and low coercive field, it is widely used for magnetic shielding applications, such as motors, switches and relays.
Fe50Co Composition
| Fe50Co | Iron | Chromium | Cobalt | Manganese | Silicon | Carbon |
| Percent by Weight | Bal. | 0.0-0.2 | 49-51 | 0.0-0.3 | 0.0-0.3 | 0.04 |
Fe50Co Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) | Permeability | Magnetization Intensity |
| Fe50Co | ≥7.95g/cm³ | ≥300Mpa | ≥180Mpa | 80HRB | 1% | μmax =5200 | Js(4Ka/m)=2.0T |
Specific MIM Alloy
These MIM material are manufactured from alloy powder or mixture of iron and other elements as nickel, chromium, cobalt and silicon. These alloys including some soft-magnetic materials, which are easily magnetized and demagnetized.
Copper alloy is commonly applied for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Sintered copper parts can be treated as wrought copper parts in the process of machining, plating, brazing, crimping and staking. Copper alloy has wide applications in miniaturization, sophistication design, thermal and electrical conductivity requirement. Such as heat sinks, fuel cells, sensors and computer processor chips.
Copper Alloy Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) | Thermal Conductivity |
| Copper alloy | ≥8.5g/cm³ | ≥180Mpa | 60Mpa | 35~45 HRB (Annealing) | 30% | 330W/(m.K) |
Titanium Alloy
Ti-6Al-4V (UNS R56400) is the most widely applied titanium in ZCMIM. It has excellent corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, good fatigue resistance. Which is normally used for medical implants and prostheses.
Ti-6Al-4V Composition
| Ti-6Al-4V | Titanium | Aluminum | Vanadium | Iron | Carbon |
| Percent by Weight | Balance | 5.5-6.75 | 3.50-4.50 | 0.30 | 0.08 |
Ti-6Al-4V Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| Ti-6Al-4V | 4.5g/cm³ | 950Mpa | 920Mpa | 36 HRC | 18% |
Nickel Alloy
Nickel alloy is widely used for applications with electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance requirement.
Nickel Alloy Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Marco |
| Nickel alloy | 8.6g/cm³ | 53 HRC |
ASTM F15
ASTM F15 (UNS 39121337) is also known as Kovar, which is a controlled expansion alloy applied for high integrity glass and ceramic to metal seals. It provides hermetic seals for electronic optical fiber and electronic package base, such as splitters, dual in-line packages and micro-electronic mechanical systems. Kavor is made of nickel, cobalt and iron. This alloy is design to satisfy technology demand in computer, microwave, semiconductor and space.
ASTM F15 Composition
| ASTM F15 | Iron | Nickel | Molybdenum | Silicon | Carbon | Chromium | Cobalt |
| Percent by Weight | BaL. | 29 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.04 | 0.2 | 17 |
| ASTM F15 | Copper | Niobium | Magnesium | Titanium | Zirconium | Aluminum | RoHS Compliant |
| Percent by Weight | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | Yes |
ASTM F15 Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| ASTM F15 | 7.7g/cm³ | 450Mpa | 305Mpa | 65 HRB | 25% |
ASTM F75 (UNS R30075) is a no-magnetic Cobalt Chrome alloy. This alloy is widely applied in medical industry due to its excellent properties of bio-compatibility, corrosion resistance, high strength, non-magnetic, wear resistance. CoCr alloys are widely applied within orthopedics, powder generation and dental area.
ASTM F75 Composition
| ASTM F75 | Iron | Nickel | Molybdenum | Silicon | Carbon | Chromium | Cobalt | RoHS Compliant |
| Percent by Weight | 0.75 | 1.0 | 5.00-7.00 | 1.00 | 0.15 | 26-30 | BaL. | Yes |
ASTM F75 Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| ASTM F75 | 8.3g/cm³ | 992Mpa | 551Mpa | 177J | 25 HRC | 30% |
ASTM F1537
ASTM F1537 (UNS R31537) has similar composition to ASTM F75, which is also widely used in medical industry with wear resistance, bio-compatibility, corrosion resistance and nonmagnetic properties.
ASTM F1537 Composition
| ASTM F1537 | Iron | Nickel | Molybdenum | Silicon | Carbon | Chromium | Cobalt | Niobium | RoHS Compliant |
| Percent by Weight | 0.75 | 0.25 | 5.00-7.00 | 1.00 | 0.10-0.35 | 26-30 | BaL. | 1.00 | Yes |
ASTM F1537 Mechanical Properties
| Material | Density | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength(0.2%) | ImpactStrength | Hardness | Elongation (% in 25.4mm) |
| ASTM F1537 | 8.3g/cm³ | 1103Mpa | 85Mpa | 80J | 32 HRC | 27% |
In conclusion, the realm of Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is rich with diverse material options, each offering unique MIM Material Properties that cater to a wide range of industrial needs. Stainless steels, such as 316L, 304, 420, 440C, and 17 – 4PH, vary in corrosion resistance, strength, hardness, and magnetic properties, making them suitable for applications from electronics and marine to automotive and medical.
Low alloy steels like MIM – 4605, Fe02Ni, Fe04Ni, and Fe08Ni provide excellent strength and finish, with heat – treating enhancing their mechanical properties. The soft – magnetic alloys Fe03Si, Fe50Ni, and Fe50Co are crucial for applications demanding specific magnetic characteristics in electrical components.
Copper alloys stand out for their high thermal and electrical conductivity, while titanium alloys like Ti – 6Al – 4V are preferred in medical implants due to their corrosion resistance and high strength – to – weight ratio. Nickel alloys are valued for their electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
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