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Ceramic Injection Molding (CIM) is an advanced manufacturing process that combines the advantages of plastic injection molding and traditional ceramic machining. It provides a cost-effective method to produce complex ceramic parts with high precision and stability. In this blog, we will discuss the ceramic injection molding process and the equipment used, as well as its various stages and product characteristics.

The ceramic injection molding process involves several critical steps that are critical to achieving the desired end product. These steps include batching and mixing, granulation, injection filling, debinding and sintering. Let’s dive into each phase to better understand the CIM process.

1. Ingredients and mixing: This step is to uniformly mix the sintered ceramic powder with a suitable organic carrier at a specific temperature. By doing so, the mixture acquires the fluidity and green strength required for ceramic injection molding.

2. Granulation: After mixing, the resulting mixture is crushed or extruded and cut into granules, also known as raw materials. These raw material pellets are used in the injection molding process.

3. Injection filling: Then the granular raw material is heated and melted in the barrel of the injection machine to obtain the best fluidity. The mold cavity is then injected at high speed under controlled temperature and pressure to ensure complete filling. After cooling and solidification, the mold is opened to obtain a green body with the desired shape and strength.

4. Degreasing: At this stage, the molded body undergoes the process of removing organic matter by heating or other physical and chemical methods. This step ensures that any remaining impurities are eliminated, resulting in a ceramic brown body.

5. Sintering: The degreased green body is sintered at high temperature and densified to achieve the final shape and strength. Sintering gives ceramic components the desired properties such as hardness and durability.

The structure and working principle of the equipment used in ceramic injection molding is similar to that of plastic injection molding machines. There are two main types of machines: horizontal and vertical reciprocating screw injection machines. The choice of machine type depends on the specific requirements of the ceramic part being produced.

When choosing a suitable ceramic injection molding machine, several technical parameters need to be considered. These parameters include nominal injection volume, injection pressure, injection rate, plasticizing capacity, clamping force, basic size of clamping device, mold opening and closing speed, empty cycle time, etc. Understanding these parameters is critical to the design, manufacture, procurement and effective use of injection molding machines.

With advanced capabilities in ceramic injection molding, various industries benefit from its unique capabilities. CIM produces complex ceramic components with high dimensional accuracy and surface finish. It can create complex parts that are difficult or impossible to produce using traditional ceramic forming methods. The ability to integrate multiple parts into a single assembly helps reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance product performance.

In summary, ceramic injection molding processes and equipment provide valuable manufacturing solutions for the production of complex ceramic parts. By combining the advantages of plastic injection molding and traditional ceramic machining, CIM provides cost-effective production while maintaining high precision and stability. Understanding the various stages involved in the process and the basic parameters required to select the correct equipment is critical to realizing the full potential of ceramic injection molding technology.