Automotive

The automotive sector has never been more dynamic. Constant innovations are changing the way manufacturers design and develop new models to meet evolving customer demands. 

We work with automotive manufacturers to help them stay ahead of the pack. We enable them to accelerate prototyping so they can rapidly assess the viability of new components and take them through the production part approval process (PPAP). Then, when a part enters production, we can quickly ramp up to high-volume production at virtually any scale.

The Highest Performing Components

The components we produce must meet exacting performance requirements. They must be high precision, have high serve temperature capabilities, and offer excellent strength and wear. 

Greater Flexibility for Increased Design Freedom

Of course, with the pace of change in the industry, manufacturers’ requirements are evolving at an ever-accelerating rate. Our ability to create parts in diverse alloys and custom formulations to precisely deliver the required performance characteristics is a significant advantage. This means you have the freedom and flexibility to innovate at the speed you need.

Key Advantages of MIM for Automotive Applications

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) offers several benefits to the automotive sector, making it a valuable manufacturing process for producing complex, high-precision components. These advantages include:

Design Flexibility and Complexity

MIM excels at producing intricate and complex shapes that are difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods like machining or casting. This empowers our engineers to design inventive and operational components with intricate features including thin walls, undercuts, internal and external threads.

High Precision and Dimensional Accuracy

Metal injection molding produces parts with tight tolerances and consistent dimensions to ensure a precise fit and function to automotive assemblies. This precision is crucial to achieve optimal performance and reliability. 

Material Versatility

MIM can handle a wide range of metal powders including stainless steel and various alloys. This adaptability provides automotive manufacturers with the option to choose the most fitting material for each application. Check out our Metal Selector Tool to find the material that’s best for your next project.  

Lightweighting and Fuel Efficiency 

MIM components frequently contribute to vehicle lightweighting initiatives by replacing heavier cast or machined parts without compromising strength or performance. This reduction in weight can result in enhanced fuel efficiency and lowered emissions.

MIM offers a range of general benefits as well, including reduced material cost, reduced lead times, and optimized weight distribution. It is becoming an increasingly important manufacturing process for auto manufacturers for lightweight components weighing 160 grams and under. 

Many automotive innovations can be manufactured with the MIM process. We have the expertise to mold various state-of-the-art components for auto companies. Our capabilities include:

• High-performance turbochargers
• Fuel injection systems
• Valve trains
• Precision sensors
• Braking systems
• Wheel-end electric motors
• Locking systems

Given the diverse demands within this industry, our focal point is delivering a solution that excels in versatility, precision, and cost-effectiveness for the extensive manufacturing of intricate components. Below you’ll find some automotive part examples that we’ve made in the past using the MIM process.

Valve Seat and Armature for Fuel Injector

Custom alloy that allows the customer to punch holes while maintaining performance requirements.

Counterweight in an Automotive Speedometer

Copper MIM component with e-coat produced using our proprietary multi-slide MIM process.

Speak with an automotive expert to learn how you can gain a competitive edge in your upcoming project.

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