MIM2022 Shines Like the Sun

MIM2022, the International Conference on Injection Molding of Metals, Ceramics and Carbides, concluded in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, last week. This year’s offering was the first ever hybrid MIM conference, attracting 121 total attendees—104 in person and 17 virtually. The attendees represented over 75 companies from 10 countries. 

The conference kicked off with Keynote Speaker Gary Jaworek, Johnson & Johnson, Medical Devices, who highlighted the recent developments J&J has made to improve its speed to market and design processes utilizing MIM and metal additive manufacturing during its process development.   He also shared some of J&J sustainability goals that they are working on both internally and with their suppliers. 

In addition to 27 technical presentations, 18 companies showcased their products and services at the tabletop exhibit. Fourteen of the exhibitors provided “infomercials” for their companies intermittently throughout the day on Tuesday. 

The Metal Injection Molding Association again provided 6 students with a grant to attend the conference and present a technical presentation. Not only were the grant recipients given the opportunity to hear cutting-edge presentations, make connections with professionals in the field, and gain exposure to the MIM industry, but each provided a presentation on work at their universities.

This year’s grant-winning students were:

• Kameswara Ajjarapu, University of Louisville, United States
• Nicolas Charpentier, FEMTO-ST, France
• Luke Malone, University of Louisville, United States
• Stefan Rathfelder, Pforzheim University/Montanuni. Leoben, Germany
• Derek Shaffer, Penn State University, United States
• Xuehiu Yang, Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis, United States

Prior to the MIM2022 conference, the Powder Injection Molding (PIM) Tutorial was presented by Matt Bulger, former MIMA and MPIF president. All registrants had the opportunity to attend the PIM Tutorial, a great way for individuals who are looking for a solid grounding in the technology of PIM to obtain a comprehensive foundation in a short period of time. 

The attendance breakdown this year consisted of 27% parts manufacturers, 30% powder & feedstock suppliers, 24% equipment & service providers, 8% end users/consumers, and 11% other.