When designing metal components it is important to understand how MIM compares with more traditional forming technologies.

CNC Machining
Both metal injection molding and CNC machining can be used to create complex, precise component shapes. With machining, each part is individually cut, whereas with MIM only the injection tool is. This is particularly significant with difficult to machine materials such as tungsten carbide, titanium or tungsten-copper.

MIM is slightly less precise than machining so MIMforms combines molding with limited machining to deliver economical, high-precision parts. Metal injection molding also offers both volume production and shorter lead-times compared to CNC once tooling is created. This enables a faster response to changes in end-user demand.

Press and Sinter (PM)
Traditional powder metallurgy or PM is an economical solution for simple shapes. High strength and hardness are normal attributes of MIM, machined and cast components. PM suffers in these categories due to its inherently lower density.

Die Casting
Investment casting is less precise than either MIM or machining and not usually the optimal choice for small, complex geometries.