Ceramic micro powder injection molding

Clamping frames achieved by Ceramco’s MicroPIM process

Center Conway, New Hampshire – Thomas Henriksen, president of Ceramco Inc., announced an addition to Ceramco’s high volume PIM(powder injection molding) offerings. “This extension of our near-net shaping capability aptly named: ‘MicroPIM,’ is allowing us to produce ceramic components as small as 0.05 grams and in production quantities.”

Ceramco’s MicroPIM uses many of the alumina or zirconia production formulations Ceramco currently uses for its high volume manufacturing of larger components. “The incredibly small scale of MicroPIM, requires careful adjustments to the feedstock to achieve a very low viscosity. Other than that, it is virtually the same process Ceramco has been using successfully for 30 years. Everything is just much smaller.” added Henriksen.

MicroPIM-formed ceramic components are already found in applications including: fiber-optic ferrules and wire bonding nozzles. Also, they are serving more broadly defined markets including medical and electrical interconnects.

Ceramics step-in when metal alloy or plastic components fail, or simply do not possess the properties demanded by the harsh environments in which they must perform. MicroPIM-formed components expand upon Ceramco’s ability to offer customers a ceramic alternative. “Never again will I have to tell a customer: ‘the part you’re asking us to make is too small,’” added Henriksen.

Source: Ceramco Inc.