Analysis of MIM Metal Powder Injection Molding for Processing Mobile Phone Parts

 

Date：[2023/12/18]
 

The MIM industry is a phoenix, and it is our ability to be reborn from the ashes. Of course, this "fire" represents customers and needs. Interestingly, when one fire is about to go out, another fire is lit in time, illuminating the entire industry.
Kato disappeared?! The most exciting aspect of the MIM industry from 2014 to 2016 was undoubtedly the large number of SIM Tray orders, with almost over 100 MIM factories taking orders and producing them. However, the thin parts and surrounding features of the SIM Tray happened to be the cover doors of the MIM process. A slight mistake resulted in sintering deformation and distortion defects. With the increase of participants and the continuous price decline, customers ultimately saved fuel in early 2017, The use of sheet metal and plastic embedded in injection materials, which are relatively inexpensive, gradually dimmed the fire of Cato. After experiencing the wave and end of the Pokato outbreak, we have realized that the demand for star products cannot rely on a single factory to achieve effective yield rates. At the same time, if we only handle a single type of order, the engineering and production capabilities will not be able to withstand drastic changes in product substitution or design changes.
Just as MIM cartridge orders plummeted in the first half of 2017, apart from some MIM factories still relying on this chicken rib product to survive, large factories have stopped accepting cartridge orders, mainly because another hot topic - the lens industry is quietly igniting. Has spring arrived? This time, everyone is cautious. Understand the product requirements and material specifications. Why do mobile phone cameras require MIM?
Multi functional, the leader of the well-known Apple iPhone series, this company is one of the most daring and innovative on the surface. Without exception, the most important function of modern phones is to take photos and show them to family and friends anytime and anywhere, in addition to making calls. It is believed to be the most widely used one currently, sharing life and recording the joys, angers, sorrows, and joys of life; Therefore, the technology of taking photos cannot only have the function of a silly light camera. Smart engineers know that if the function of taking photos on mobile phones is gradually brought closer to professional cameras, combined with the assistance of applications (apps), the combination of these two elements: smart photography+modifying photos immediately becomes an important function of smart phones and a must compete place. The emergence of multifunctional lenses is not surprising.
Multi lens, as is well known, professional cameras are bulky and thick. Although the photos taken are very beautiful (Dr. Q refers to skilled professional photographers, cough~~~Some people just hold good cameras and take photos of fools, don't take them for granted~), how can we achieve smart phones with professional photos? Multi lens technology achieves this "simulation" requirement by using different camera lenses to process different image requirements. Finally, combined with image processing software, it can not only reduce the bulky size of professional cameras, but also enable each smartphone holder to take satisfactory photos. This is the best case of technology benefiting the public. As shown in Figure 1, the exaggerated multi lens phone is impossible!!
How to protect the lens module? Since it has been decided to move towards the multi lens module, how can these lenses, sensors, LED flash, etc. be assembled on the front and back of the smartphone? How to ensure that these optical components can be securely and securely protected to perform their best functions? Consumers like to keep their phones in their pockets and often drop them. How to solve this problem? The following are the requirements for protecting the lens circle of smartphone cameras:
High brightness appearance, paired with smartphones, must maintain a sense of technology
High strength and hardness, resistant to external forces to prevent deformation, such as placing pants in the back pocket or impact from falling off the ground
No residual magnetic force to prevent residual magnetism from affecting smartphone signal transmission after the zoom coil is activated
When in contact with the human body, exports to the European Union must meet nickel free requirements
Non rusting through salt spray for 48 hours or even higher
Daily delivery can increase by 500000 pieces per day in a short period of time
So, what process can solve the above problems at once? Why can the MIM process be achieved? Dr. Q has collected three sets of products for everyone, as described in Table 1.

Table 1. Currently, three MIM materials are used as materials for smartphone lens circles

Figure 2 shows the design of the metal protective frame for the lens ring, which utilizes MIM parts to be as flexible as plastic products, providing appropriate thickening of the flesh between holes, thus eliminating the design deficiency of traditional sheet metal with thin flesh thickness; Due to thickening and the need for accurate matching with appearance, the detail ability of forging and casting is also excluded, leaving only MIM sintered rough combined with CNC machining design to maintain precise positioning of optical components, protect components, and maintain integrated assembly requirements for detailed appearance with local thickness. This is specifically tailored for MIM processes. (This smartphone was launched in 2018 and received a large number of orders, so readers don't have to ask Dr. Q what brand it is~)

Figure 2. Design requirements for the metal protective frame of the lens circle

Production capacity has climbed, and there is probably no metal processing process on the market that is faster than MIM. As long as the specifications and measured dimensions of the samples are confirmed, the planned mass production quantity and efficiency can be achieved. Shenzhen Yujiaxin Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on high-end precision MIM metal injection molding, with a sound quality management system and strong research and development capabilities, integrating research and development, manufacturing, and sales, We are a professional manufacturer and solution provider of Metal Powder Injection Molding (MIM) products.