Figure 1: Samples of MIM Cobalt Optical Communications Parts
Overview
Features
Currently, around the world efforts
are being made to complete the fiber optic network. Accompanying
this development, there has been a surge in demand for fiber-optic
related products made from cobalt materials offering low thermal
expansion. In particular, the complex-shaped packages have produced
a high demand for low-cost, metal-powder injection molded products
over conventional machine-assembled items. Our products have been
created drawing on the Company's nearly 10-year track record with
MIM technology.
The MIM process, as shown below in the flowchart appearing in Figure
2, is a manufacturing process for mass-producing complicated
three-dimensional objects in near-net shapes.
Figure 2: MIM Process Flowchart
1. Molds and Dimensional Precision
Compared with conventional machining products, our products are low-cost,
and, as Figure 1 shows, enable the production of complicated
three-dimensional forms of near-net shaped sintered bodies. Furthermore,
the dimensional precision is 0.5%.
2. Special Features
(1) Low Thermal Expansion
With almost the same thermal expansion coefficient as molten manufacturing
materials, it is ideal as an adhesive (See Chart 1.).
Chart 1: Thermal Expansion Coefficient
Unit: 10-6/K
30~400°C
30~800°C
MIM sintered items
4.20~4.80
9.60~10.20
Molten manufacturing materials(ASTM F15)
4.60~5.20
(10.4)
( ) refers to ASTM F15, given
as an example.
(2) Highly Airtight
The relative density exceeds 96%, which is an adequate degree of
airtightness for packaging applications.
(3) High Purity
Due to its high density, it has few holes, as seen below (Figure
3), and is well-suited to metal plating.
Figure 3: Microstructure
Inquiries
Hitachi Metals Precision, Ltd.
Tel.: +81-3-5765-3078 Inquiry Form
0.5%. 
