Proto Labs to Introduce Metal Injection Molding Process

At the Atlantic Design and Manufacturing trade show June 10-12, Proto Labs will formally reveal its metal injection molding (MIM) process. Now available to customers, this process is for molding low-volume stainless steel parts.

At the show, representatives will be discussing the different applications of metal injection molding, a company press release states. The multi-step process is suited for producing parts in the automotive, medical and consumer electronics industries.

This addition is parallel to the recent addition of liquid silicone rubber molding (LSR). Over the past five months, Proto Labs has added five new manufacturing processes and acquired N.C.-based FineLine Prototyping — allowing the company to expand its offerings and customer support.

“The launch of metal injection molding at Proto Labs lets us fill a nearly unoccupied space in the manufacturing industry, which is the short-run production of metal parts,” explains Vicki Holt, president and CEO at Proto Labs. “MIM has traditionally been limited to large-scale manufacturing of tens of thousands of parts; we can now machine a mold and deliver around 5,000 parts in about three weeks. We’re thrilled to provide that service for product developers.”

For more information, visit Proto Labs.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.