Titanium Metal Injection Molding - A Commercial Overview

Abstract

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) of Titanium and its alloys has been the topic of many scientific research activities and presentations for many years. By now there are several companies that focus on applying the gained knowledge for producing Titanium MIM components in production quantities. This is only possible since Titanium powder in repeatable quality is available in production quantities and the specialized production equipment was developed over the recent years. Two ASTM standards for Titanium MIM implants have published and several Titanium MIM components have received approval around the globe, including approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the United States. Based on this foundation, several large Medical Technology companies started developing next generation implants using MIM as the preferred production method in order to use the design advantages and / or reduce costs. The aerospace industry also started recognizing the advantages of Titanium MIM. There are several Titanium MIM parts that are already being used in commercial airplanes in production quantities. Additional applications in order to replace other materials, reduce costs or use the design advantages of MIM are currently being developed. The cost reduction related to Titanium MIM allows the usage of this great material in other industries like for sporting goods, outdoor equipment or luxury products. The Titanium MIM industry is slowly maturing and large companies started applying the great advantages into the product portfolio. It will be imperative that the relatively small Titanium MIM companies perform according to the high expectations of the large potential customers that would like to use the technology for future products.