Metal injection moulding of surgical tools, biomaterials and medical devices: A review

Over the last three decades, Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) has become an increasingly important manufacturing technology for small (typical maximum dimension <= 60 mm) but intricate components, including medical devices, implants and surgical tools. In particular, its ability to economically produce high volumes of precision net-shaped parts has placed it as an ideal and premier manufacturing technique for a broad range of surgical devices, orthopaedic implants and other biomedical products. This review discusses the suitability of the MIM technology from the perspectives of both design and manufacture for the fabrication of medical devices using a variety of biocompatible materials including stainless steels, titanium alloys, iron and magnesium alloys. Recent progresses in the application of the MIM technology in the medical sector and challenges are reviewed and discussed. Future trends are suggested. It is concluded that MIM is better positioned today for wider application in the biomedical sector due to the benefits of reduced powder price and easy and fast supply of intricate dies brought by metal additive manufacturing (AM). (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.