Recently, Xiaomi officially launched the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, introducing a special edition model with a titanium metal frame. The frame utilizes the Metal Injection Molding (MIM) process, enabling the creation of a single integrated piece.
MIM, known as Metal Powder Injection Molding, is hailed as the fifth-generation metal forming process. It is a novel near-net shaping technique that facilitates the cost-effective production of complex, high-dimensional, and highly precise components in large quantities. This process is considered an ideal manufacturing method for processing titanium and titanium alloy materials.
Unlike other metal forming processes, MIM bears similarities to the plastic injection molding process. It involves mixing metal powder with a binder to create a feedstock, which is subsequently injected into molds. Following this, the binder is removed through a debinding process, and the material is subjected to high-temperature sintering and post-processing treatments.
In the field of MIM for titanium materials, the main focus lies in titanium alloy powders and feedstock preparation. Currently, injection molding technology has successfully employed pure titanium powder, Ti-6Al-4V, TiAl, Ti-Mo-Al, and other titanium-based material powders for manufacturing purposes.
