MIM vs CNC.
Volume vs precision.
Choose process.
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) vs CNC machining decision. MIM for high-volume small parts. CNC for prototype, low-medium volume, precision. Volume crossover key.
Key principles.
High volume small parts
50K+ parts/year economical. Complex geometry. Small (< 100g).
Any volume, precise
1-10K+ parts. Tighter tolerance. No tooling.
~50K parts/year
Below: CNC cheaper. Above: MIM cheaper.
MIM ±0.3% / CNC ±0.025 mm
CNC 5-10× tighter. Critical for precision applications.
MIM Ra 1-3 / CNC Ra 0.4-1.6
CNC finer. Both can be improved by post-processing.
MIM narrower / CNC wider
MIM: stainless, low-alloy steel, copper, titanium. CNC: any.
FAQ
When to use MIM?
High-volume (50K+) production. Small (< 100g) parts. Complex geometry. Lower precision OK.
When to use CNC?
Prototype to medium volume. Tight tolerance. Larger parts. Material flexibility.
Tooling cost?
MIM tool $20-100K. Amortized over volume. CNC zero tooling.
Surface differences?
MIM has porosity (95-98% density). CNC fully dense. Affects fatigue, sealing.
Hybrid approach?
MIM near-net-shape + CNC critical features. Combines volume economics with precision.
Lead time?
MIM tool: 8-12 weeks build + production. CNC: 1-3 weeks for parts.
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