Functional integration: 3D printing of a metal injection moulding (MIM) tool with near-contour cooling

The Chair of Microfluidics at the University of Rostock is collaborating with Stenzel MIM Technik GmbH (Tiefenbronn, near Pforzheim) on a project to 3D print a metal injection moulding (MIM) tool. The basis of the development is the use of AIM3D’s EMC technology with an ExAM 255 system. The ExAM 255 system combines high 3D component accuracy with high build speeds for additive manufacturing (AM). Compared to a conventional machining approach, using an AM process to produce a MIM tool reduces the total production time from about 8 weeks to approximately 5 days.

As part of a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi), the 3D printed MIM tool is a cooperative development between the Chair of Microfluidics (LFM) at the University of Rostock and Stenzel MIM Technik GmbH. The duration of the project is from April 2021 to October 2023. The basis of the process and application is the use of AIM3D’s EMF technology, implemented in an ExAM 255 system. The project represents the current state of the art in metal 3D printing.