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"MIM" parts
- Thread starter fleiger
- Start date
Dfariswheel
New member
MIM is "Metal Injection Moulding".
This is a modern production technique used to make complicated parts without doing a lot of expensive machining.
Powdered metal is mixed with a polymer.
This mixture is injected into a mould and heated until the polymer evaporates and the metal melts and fully fills the mould.
When the part is removed, little if any machining is needed.
All that's usually required is that the part be given a surface hardened coating so it will resist wear.
This greatly speeds production AND reduces costs.
The down side is, MIM parts are not as strong as more tradition methods like forging and milling parts.
Some MIM parts serve quite well, but there seems to be a higher percentage of them that simply break.
Among others, S&W is making most internal revolver parts including hammers and triggers from MIM.
Many 1911 makers are making extractors, sears, and other parts from MIM.
A number of people have reported problems with MIM 1911 extractors.
The big problems people have with MIM is there is a greater risk of broken parts, and the parts are not traditional forged and milled, which offends people's sensibilities.
This is a modern production technique used to make complicated parts without doing a lot of expensive machining.
Powdered metal is mixed with a polymer.
This mixture is injected into a mould and heated until the polymer evaporates and the metal melts and fully fills the mould.
When the part is removed, little if any machining is needed.
All that's usually required is that the part be given a surface hardened coating so it will resist wear.
This greatly speeds production AND reduces costs.
The down side is, MIM parts are not as strong as more tradition methods like forging and milling parts.
Some MIM parts serve quite well, but there seems to be a higher percentage of them that simply break.
Among others, S&W is making most internal revolver parts including hammers and triggers from MIM.
Many 1911 makers are making extractors, sears, and other parts from MIM.
A number of people have reported problems with MIM 1911 extractors.
The big problems people have with MIM is there is a greater risk of broken parts, and the parts are not traditional forged and milled, which offends people's sensibilities.
I'd say MIM is also acceptable in the right applications. No wear part or part subjected to tremendous shock should be MIM. IMO sears and extractors made of MIM are time bombs.
On second thought, MIM should be totally avoided in a weapon that is to be relied upon in a life or death situation. It's a cost cutting move that should not be in one's personal defense weapon, which is "mission criticial" hardware.
On second thought, MIM should be totally avoided in a weapon that is to be relied upon in a life or death situation. It's a cost cutting move that should not be in one's personal defense weapon, which is "mission criticial" hardware.
FrankDrebin
Moderator
Also, they're Made in Mexico.
FrankDrebin
Moderator
Just kidding..
Michaelm45
New member
Shorts and Dfariswheel, Thank you.
Springer45
New member
It would be helpful if, in the exploded parts diagram in the owners manual, the manufacturer would identify the material and manufacturing process used for each of the parts. It would make it easier to determine which make/model you really want to purchase, and what you may want to replace with aftermarket parts.
I know I'm just dreamin' though.
I know I'm just dreamin' though.