Specialized MIM Applications for the Defense and Firearms Industry
As the defense and firearms industry increasingly adopts metal injection molding (MIM) for cost-effective manufacturing, Smith Metal Products stands ready to meet these growing demands with high-quality "Made in America" MIM solutions. Our expertise in producing complex, high-strength parts with excellent surface finishes makes us the ideal partner for your defense needs. Since 1997, we have been industry leaders, offering comprehensive, one-stop solutions for the most demanding defense applications in the Center City, MN, area. Click here to get started on your MIM production needs!
Defense and Firearms MIM Product Solutions
Smith Metal Products excels in designing MIM components for various defense applications, including:
Triggers
Hammers
Sights
Safety Levers
Firing Pins
Slide Stops
Disconnectors
Extractors
Bolt Catch
Barrel Extension
Advanced MIM Manufacturing Capabilities
Our MIM manufacturing experts utilize the BASF/Catamold® production system within our 65,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. We ensure precision parts with unparalleled quality. Our complete "Part Program Management" encompasses process engineering, automation design and implementation, quality assurance, assembly, packaging, product fulfillment, and distribution.
Commitment to Quality
Smith Metal Products holds a
Federal Firearms License (FFL) and maintains prestigious accreditations such as
ITAR, and
ISO 9001:2015. These certifications underscore our commitment to producing components with exceptional precision, strength, and durability, all at competitive prices.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about MIM Firearm Parts
What firearm parts a good fit for metal injection molding (MIM)?
MIM works well with triggers, hammers, sights, safety levers, firing pins, slide stops, disconnectors, extractors, bolt catch, barrel extension and other firearm parts. For MIM parts in general, components that are small, complex, metal, and needed in high-volumes are good fits for metal injection molding.
What gun manufacturers use metal injection molded parts?
Due to non-disclosure agreements, we cannot discuss the gun manufacturers that we work with. However, we manufacture for many big name firearm manufacturers. In fact, those in the firearm industry were early adopters of metal injection molding.
Why do some people think MIM should not be used in firearm components?
Some people have the incorrect notion that MIM parts are not as strong as those made with traditional machining. However, if metal injection molded parts are made correctly, they are as strong and durable as those machined. Unfortunately, some metal injection molding companies with little experience and low standards gave MIM a bad reputation early on when the technology was just gaining traction. Thankfully, Smith Metal Products has lots of experience and has been using metal injection molding for manufacturing since the 1990s.
Why would someone use metal injection molding to make firearm parts?
If someone is making custom pieces, metal injection molding may not be the best choice, because it is designed for high-volume manufacturing. The customer purchases a mold. This can be very expensive if only a couple of parts are being made. If tens of thousands of parts are needed, MIM might be the best manufacturing choice. The cost of the mold can be spread across the number of parts needed and it becomes a cost-effective choice for components. Machined parts may be much more expensive. If you are cutting away bar stock, there is a lot of wasted material. Machining can also be time consuming.
If you have a project that you would like to discuss, please reach out!
Partner With Us
Send us your CAD file or drawings, and we will provide a comprehensive appraisal of the viability of MIM molding for your new or existing project. Partner with Smith Metal Products to experience the advantages of advanced MIM technology and industry-leading expertise in the defense and firearms sector.
