Surface structuring by micro-mim-technology and applications

Manufacturing of micro parts by Micro Metal Injection Moulding (-MIM) has been the subject of intense research in the past years. Owing to its capability of processing a broad range of metallic materials and to its potential for series production, -MIM may also be an alternative to machining for producing micro-structured surfaces. Application examples include micro reactors for mixing of aggressive media such as ionic liquids, micro heat exchangers made of tungsten-copper or medical implants with defined micro patterns for improved cell adhesion. This paper presents material and processing issues for safe replication by injection moulding, keeping of the tolerances in sintering and obtaining the desired functional properties. The potential of nanopowder additions for improving part and surface quality is discussed.