Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about precision metal parts manufacturing, MIM, CNC machining, and our services
What is Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and how does it work?
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a manufacturing process that combines the design flexibility of plastic injection molding with the strength and integrity of metal. Fine metal powders are mixed with a thermoplastic binder, injected into a mold, then debound and sintered to create dense, high-strength metal parts. MIM is ideal for producing complex geometries with excellent surface finish and tight tolerances.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom metal parts?
Our MOQ varies by manufacturing process. For MIM and Powder Metallurgy (PM), typical minimums start at 1,000 pieces. For CNC machining, we accept orders as low as 10-50 pieces. For investment casting, MOQ typically starts at 100 pieces. Contact us with your specific project requirements for an accurate quote.
How long does it take to get a quote?
We typically provide quotes within 24 hours for standard inquiries. For complex parts requiring engineering review, quotes are delivered within 48 hours. Simply submit your CAD files (STEP, IGES, or STL format) along with specifications and we'll get back to you promptly.
What file formats do you accept for part design submissions?
We accept STEP (.stp), IGES (.igs), STL, SolidWorks, AutoCAD (.dwg/.dxf), and PDF drawings. For best results, we recommend submitting 3D models in STEP format with detailed 2D drawings specifying tolerances, surface finish requirements, and material specifications.
What tolerances can Yujiaxin Tech achieve?
We achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm for CNC machining, ±0.02mm for MIM, ±0.05mm for investment casting, and ±0.1mm for powder metallurgy. Final tolerances depend on part geometry, material, and selected manufacturing process.
What materials do you work with?
We work with over 50 metal materials including stainless steels (304, 316L, 17-4PH), carbon steels, alloy steels, tool steels, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys (Inconel), and cobalt-chrome alloys. We also offer ceramic injection molding (CIM) for advanced ceramic materials.
Is Yujiaxin Tech ISO certified?
Yes, we are ISO 9001:2015 and GJB 9001C-2017 certified. Our quality management system covers all aspects of production from raw material inspection to final dimensional verification. We also comply with RoHS and REACH regulations.
How does CNC machining differ from MIM?
CNC machining is a subtractive process that removes material from a solid block, offering exceptional precision down to ±0.01mm and fast turnaround for prototypes and small batches (10-500 pieces). MIM is an additive process where metal powder is injected into a mold, better suited for medium to high volumes (1,000+ pieces) with complex geometries and lower per-piece cost.
What surface finishes are available?
We offer as-sintered, as-machined, bead blasting, electropolishing, passivation, powder coating, plating (zinc, nickel, chrome), anodizing, and mirror polishing. The appropriate finish depends on your application requirements and manufacturing process.
Can you manufacture parts with complex internal geometries?
Yes. MIM and Investment Casting are ideal for complex internal geometries including undercuts, threaded holes, internal channels, and thin walls. MIM produces net-shape or near-net-shape parts directly from the mold, minimizing secondary operations.
How do I choose the right manufacturing process?
Consider: (1) Volume — CNC for low (10-500), MIM for high (1,000+), PM for very high (10,000+); (2) Part complexity; (3) Required tolerances; (4) Material compatibility; (5) Cost targets. Our engineering team can help you optimize the selection.
What industries do you serve?
We serve medical devices, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and industrial equipment sectors. Our parts are used in surgical instruments, engine components, turbine blades, connectors, gears, and more.
Do you offer prototyping services?
Yes. CNC prototypes can be delivered in 5-10 business days. MIM and casting prototypes require soft tooling (2-4 weeks) for design verification before mass production.
What are the payment terms?
For custom manufacturing based on your drawings, we typically accept T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) payment. For long-term partners with established relationships, we offer flexible payment terms tailored to your needs. All payments are protected by export documentation and quality assurance.
How do you ensure quality control?
We follow ISO 9001:2015 procedures: incoming material inspection, first article inspection (FAI), in-process inspection, final dimensional measurement using CMM and profile projectors, and material testing including tensile, salt spray, and metallographic analysis.
What is the typical lead time?
Typical lead times: CNC machining 2-3 weeks, MIM 4-6 weeks, PM 3-5 weeks, Investment Casting 4-6 weeks, Gear Hobbing 3-4 weeks. Rush orders may be accommodated.
Can you help with part design optimization?
Yes. We provide free Design for Manufacturing (DFM) analysis. Our engineering team reviews your design and suggests modifications to reduce costs, improve quality, and optimize for your selected manufacturing process.
Do you provide material test reports?
Yes. We provide Certificate of Compliance (CoC), Material Test Reports (MTR), dimensional inspection reports, and additional testing reports (hardness, tensile, metallurgical analysis) upon request.
How does international shipping work?
We ship to 50+ countries via DHL/FedEx/UPS (3-7 days), air freight (5-10 days), or sea freight (20-40 days). We handle all export documentation and customs clearance.
What is the difference between Powder Metallurgy and MIM?
Key differences: (1) Binder content — PM uses minimal binder, MIM uses 30-40%; (2) Part complexity — MIM handles complex geometries; (3) Density — MIM achieves near 100%, PM reaches 85-95%; (4) Surface finish — MIM is smoother; (5) Cost — PM is cheaper for simple shapes and very high volumes; (6) Part size — PM can produce larger parts than MIM.