Apr 2, 2009

PIM International has just launched a new free-to-access on-line resource for designers and end-users of metal injection moulded components.
Effective guidelines are presented that highlight key considerations that are necessary when developing a component for MIM production.
As this on-line resource clearly demonstrates, the greater the understanding of the MIM process that a designer has, the greater the chances of successful adoption of MIM technology.
Although prepared specifically for metal injection moulding, much of the information presented will also be of use to anyone also considering ceramic injection moulding (CIM).
Information is divided into the following sections:
MIM: A guide for designers and end-users
The importance of designing for MIM is highlighed, not only improving the chances of successful production but also bringing higher process yields, lower costs and faster processing.
When is a part suitable for metal or ceramic injection moulding?
Key questions are answered, from realistic production volumes to the advantages of design complexity, plus how is MIM different to plastic injection moulding, and what materials can be processed?
Optimising your design for MIM
From desirable and allowed design features to features that have to be avoided, plus the importance of size limitations and the benefits of simple design modifications.
Further design considerations
The impact of sintering on dimensional tolerances, advantages of the MIM process and a table of typical and best possible dimensional tolerances.
MIM material options and component properties
Includes alloy types, popular materials, fatigue strength and fracture toughness, corrosion resistance and opportunities for improved wear performance.
Table of tensile properties of representative MIM alloys
Typical room temperature tensile properties of representative MIM alloys.
Cost, delivery and flexibility
Tooling costs and the influence of feedstock prices are addressed and a comparison of costs between two differing vendors is presented.
Overview: Key criteria for selecting MIM technology
A summary of MIM's key strengths and advantages, plus a review of essential advice for end-users. 'Metal injection moulding leads to outstanding success when the design anticipates MIM fabrication and invites expert participation.'
References & further information
Acknowledgements, references and author details.

Sources from: http://www.pim-international.com/industrynews/000562.html

For years many businesses turned to cheap labor markets, such as China, for inexpensive manufacturing solutions, but premier plastic injection molding company C&J Industries has noticed a reversal in this trend.

March 30, 2009 -- MEADVILLE, PA -- Pennsylvania-based plastic injection molding company C&J Industries recently announced that it has noticed a reversal in the trend of firms outsourcing manufacturing to cheaper labor markets, such as China. In fact, ten percent of C&J Industries' current business includes projects that were transferred back to the United States from Chinese manufacturers. Specifically, the firm has observed a significant amount of medical, consumer and industrial related business being pulled from Asian markets.
"There is something attractive about doing business with integrity ?that's not just a given anymore. Businesses were choosing to go over to China because a 'herd' mentality was driving many manufacturers there ut now some companies are coming back," says Mark Fuhrman, Marketing Manager for C&J Industries (http://www.cjindustries.com).
As an overall trend, some original equipment manufacturers are bringing projects back from China due to problems with communication, continuity of supply, logistics as well as total overall cost. C&J Industries' guiding principles will be a very attractive to these frustrated companies.
Through higher cavitation molds and automation, C&J Industries is often able to provide a lower cost option than most Chinese manufacturers. Ingenuity and innovative technology are driving forces behind C&J Industries' competitive advantage. The firm's success can be attributed to its overall commitment to quality and willingness to invest in capital to better serve its customers.
Additionally, C&J Industries offers superior warranties to those available through Chinese manufacturers. In the plastics industry, when a custom injection molder builds a tool, they typically offer a standard warranty based on the number of shots or cycles, similar to a standard three year, 36,000 mile warranty on a car. However, C&J Industries goes beyond standard by offering a 10-year warranty on the production tooling, regardless of volume.
"Given C&J Industries' advanced technology and superior warranties, it is no surprise that many firms are now turning to us to meet their most challenging manufacturing needs," says Fuhrman.
About C&J Industries: C&J Industries (http://www.cjindustries.com) is a full service plastics contract manufacturer and product design company specializing in the manufacturing of complex and high precision injection molded components. For nearly 50 years, the firm has been providing manufacturing and design solutions for the industrial, transportation, medical, pharmaceutical, business and consumer machine markets. Additionally, C&J Industries offers a wide range of specialized design services, including production molding, prototyping and custom packaging. As a specialist in medical device manufacturing, C&J Industries has been producing medical injection molding components since the early 1980s.

Sources from: http://www.free-press-release-center.info/pr00000000000000037459_plastic-injection-molding-firm-recaptures-business-from-china.html