The Rise of Powder Metallurgy Technology and Industry Outlook

With the emergence of emerging fields such as humanoid robots and AI terminals, the landscape of customized product manufacturing chains has also undergone corresponding changes. MIM (Metal Injection Molding) technology, leveraging its outstanding characteristics of high precision and complex forming capabilities, is poised to experience explosive growth opportunities. In the future, MIM and casting may form a complementary relationship, with MIM dominating precision components while casting consolidates its traditional market through intelligent upgrades and material innovation, continuing to focus on the production of large structural components.

MIM (Metal Injection Molding) manifests in the following core trends and technical characteristics:

I . Technological Advantages Driving Industrial Upgrades

Revolutionizing Precision Complex Parts Manufacturing:

MIM employs metal powder mixed with binder for injection molding, overcoming limitations of traditional machining processes. It enables efficient production of high-precision, three-dimensional complex structural components (e.g., threaded parts, intersecting holes, micro-gears), featuring near-net-shape characteristics. Material utilization is significantly enhanced, with dimensional tolerances reaching 0.1%–0.3%.

Exceptional Comprehensive Performance:

Products achieve 95%–99% of theoretical density while delivering high strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Compatibility with diverse metal systems—including titanium alloys, stainless steel, and soft magnetic materials—meets extreme operational demands.

1. Explosive Expansion of Application Scenarios

Core Components for Humanoid Robots:

Next-generation models like Tesla’s Optimus Gen3 utilize MIM technology to manufacture micro-gears (with modules as low as 0.05), dexterous hand structural components, and reducer assemblies. This significantly enhances part strength while adapting to the trend toward miniaturized motors.

AI & High-End Electronics Thermal Solutions:

Surging heat dissipation demands for 5G/AI chips position MIM pure copper heat sinks as the thermal management solution of choice, leveraging complex flow channel designs and mass production capabilities. Optical module housings and base thermal pads similarly benefit.

Medical and Automotive Precision Components:

Efficient mass production achieved for orthodontic brackets and surgical instrument hinge gears (e.g., 17-4PH stainless steel parts); accelerated penetration into LiDAR structural components and new energy vehicle A-pillar parts.

Continued Penetration in Consumer Electronics:

Foldable screen hinges (e.g., Honor Magic V3 titanium alloy hinge) and smart wearable device structural components maintain mainstream application status.

III. Strong Market Growth Momentum

Rapid Global Expansion

The powder metallurgy market reached $42.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $72 billion by 2030 (CAGR: 9.5%); the MIM segment alone is expected to hit $9.1 billion by 2032.

China Dominates Capacity Expansion

China has become the world’s largest MIM market, with consumer electronics accounting for over 40% of demand. Future growth in humanoid robots, AI terminals, and high-end manufacturing sectors is projected to significantly outpace the industry average.

Market demand serves as the bellwether for industry development. Powder metallurgy technology will profoundly impact multiple sectors in the future, propelling manufacturing toward greater efficiency, higher precision, and enhanced environmental sustainability.