I was just wondering if MIM parts are getting more accepted as time goes on? I remember when the hue and cry over the MIM hammers and triggers but you don't here it so much now. In the 1911 world you still here MIM bad, replace with forged / barstock parts. Now I am the first to admit that the older color case hardened S&W hammers and triggers just plain look better but the MIM stuff seems to be holding up over time. As for the 1911 world, it seems to be a general dislike and a lot of anecdotal stories but relatively few actual part failures. It also seems that people are lumping MIM parts and investment castings together.
I am of the mindset that if MIM and or investment casting allows a functional part at an affordable price why not; specially on parts that are not readily visual. If you don't think investment casting can produce a good looking part check our Ruger's offerings. I thought about getting a few spare parts for my 1911 ( a firing pin and bar stock F.P. stop ) then it hit me; my 1911 has a lifetime warranty and is working well; if something actually breaks I will contact the manufacturer and they'll fix it or send a new part. Why should I replace a part that is working well or not broken just because it is MIM.
What say you; Are MIM parts proving themselves over time or do you still think they are junk.
MIM : Metal Injection Molding, Powdered Metal of the correct alloy is mixed with a polymer and injected into a precision mold. The resultant part is oversized and after removal from the mold goes thru various processes that remove the polymer and does other things that result in a part that is net size, heat treatable and has 95% - 100% density (few if any internal voids) The process is very precise, controllable and cuts machining costs immensely.
I am of the mindset that if MIM and or investment casting allows a functional part at an affordable price why not; specially on parts that are not readily visual. If you don't think investment casting can produce a good looking part check our Ruger's offerings. I thought about getting a few spare parts for my 1911 ( a firing pin and bar stock F.P. stop ) then it hit me; my 1911 has a lifetime warranty and is working well; if something actually breaks I will contact the manufacturer and they'll fix it or send a new part. Why should I replace a part that is working well or not broken just because it is MIM.
What say you; Are MIM parts proving themselves over time or do you still think they are junk.
MIM : Metal Injection Molding, Powdered Metal of the correct alloy is mixed with a polymer and injected into a precision mold. The resultant part is oversized and after removal from the mold goes thru various processes that remove the polymer and does other things that result in a part that is net size, heat treatable and has 95% - 100% density (few if any internal voids) The process is very precise, controllable and cuts machining costs immensely.
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