In the precision manufacturing sector, Metal Injection Molding (MIM) has long been regarded as a “high-volume-only” process. Its high tooling costs and lengthy process chain have often shut out small and medium-sized customers seeking prototype runs and low-volume production.
When new products require 1,000–10,000 precision parts for market validation, many teams are forced to opt for full CNC machining. However, for parts with complex structures requiring multi-sided machining, the CNC route often faces challenges such as scattered processes, multiple setups, low material utilization, and uncontrollable prototype cycles, which in turn drive up overall costs.
Yibi Precision has deeply integrated lean manufacturing systems with MIM technology, lowering the economical batch size for MIM to 1,000 units. This provides a more efficient and cost-effective low-to-medium volume manufacturing solution for precision parts with complex structures.
Lean Manufacturing Implementation at Yibi Precision
We have introduced lean management across the entire MIM production process to systematically eliminate waste and enable efficient flow of low-volume orders:
- Value Stream Mapping and Non-Value-Added Activity Elimination
We mapped the entire MIM process using Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to identify and cut non-value-added steps such as waiting and material handling, improving production flow efficiency by 22%. - SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) Implementation
We standardized and split tool change procedures, converting internal operations to external ones. This reduced tool change time to 20 minutes, significantly lowering production switching costs for low-volume orders. - Pull Production and Flexible Scheduling
We replaced traditional push-based scheduling with Kanban pull production, enabling rapid order insertion and scheduling for low-volume batches. This reduced work-in-progress inventory by 40% and improved order response speed by 35%. - TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)
We established an enterprise-wide TPM system, boosting equipment availability to 92%. This ensures production stability for low-volume orders and minimizes delivery delays caused by equipment failures. - End-to-End Automation and Integrated Delivery
We have automated the entire process from feedstock preparation, injection molding, debinding to sintering, achieving seamless connection between processes. Additionally, we provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) support to help optimize product structures for MIM compatibility. Combined with our integrated service from tooling development to finished product delivery, we eliminate communication and management costs associated with multiple suppliers.
Core Values for Small and Medium-Sized Customers
- Superior Total Cost (for Complex Structural Parts)
For parts with complex structures requiring multi-sided machining, MIM’s one-step molding replaces multiple CNC operations, reducing material waste and setup costs. In the 1,000–10,000 unit range, the total cost is significantly lower than the full machining route, making low-volume prototype investments more controllable.
(Note: CNC remains advantageous for simple structural parts. We provide DFM assessments to help you determine the optimal process route.)
- Faster Lead Times
Leveraging our lean production line and flexible scheduling, low-volume order production cycles can be compressed to as fast as 10 days (with tooling ready), helping customers accelerate product validation and market launch. - Lower Entry Barrier
We have lowered the MIM application threshold to 1,000 units. Customers no longer need to overproduce to meet minimum order quantities, effectively reducing inventory pressure and capital tied up. - Consistent Quality
Low-volume orders are subject to the exact same quality control standards as high-volume production. Tolerances are stable at ±0.02 to ±0.05mm, and the yield rate remains above 95%—no compromises are made for smaller order sizes. - Seamless Scalability
Our lean production line seamlessly supports full-cycle requirements from 1,000-unit prototypes to 1,000,000-unit mass production, without the need for re-tooling or core process adjustments. Tooling costs are fully amortized in mass production, offering more competitive unit prices and avoiding additional risks associated with changing suppliers.
Customer Case Study
Recently, we provided low-volume production services for 3,000 precision lock cylinder parts for a European smart lock startup.
The lock cylinder’s complex internal structure originally required multi-axis CNC machining, EDM, and multiple post-processing steps, with processes scattered across multiple suppliers, making prototype cycles difficult to control. Through our lean MIM solution, the part was produced in one piece, requiring only minimal finishing to become a finished product. The delivery lead time was reduced to 10 days, the overall prototype cost was significantly lower than the original solution, and product performance fully met design requirements. The customer was able to complete validation ahead of schedule and successfully met the industry exhibition promotion window.
As a 16-year specialist in MIM technology, Yibi Precision is ISO 9001 certified and has served global renowned customers including ASSA ABLOY, Decathlon, and Nikon. Our lean manufacturing system has been long-term validated by international clients.
We also have extensive foreign trade service experience, covering delivery to major global markets such as Europe and North America, and are proficient in the entire process of customs declaration and international logistics. We have a dedicated multilingual foreign trade team (English, German, and other major international languages) providing 24/7 response. Each project is assigned a single point of contact to ensure smooth communication and timely problem resolution, making cross-border procurement hassle-free for you.
If you have low-volume precision part customization needs, contact us today for a DFM assessment and customized solution.