Overview
EN ISO 22068:2014 (identical to ISO 22068:2012) defines specifications for sintered-metal injection-moulded (MIM) materials. It sets requirements for chemical composition, mechanical properties and physical properties of materials produced specifically by the Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) process. The standard is intended for use by design and materials engineers and does not apply to parts made by other powder‑metallurgy routes (e.g., press‑and‑sinter or powder‑forging).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope & applicability: Applies only to components manufactured by MIM; excludes other powder‑metallurgy processes.
- Chemical composition: Methods of analysis follow relevant international standards or agreed methods at enquiry/order.
- Mechanical properties: Minimum values for tensile strength (Rm), 0.2% offset yield strength (Rp0.2) and elongation (A25) are defined; values may be given for as‑sintered and heat‑treated conditions.
- Density & porosity: Density determination per ISO 3369 or gas pycnometer (ASTM D2638/D4892); residual porosity guidance is included.
- Hardness & magnetic properties: Hardness per ISO 4498 / ISO 6507‑1 / ISO 6508‑1; magnetic permeability and induction measured per IEC 60404‑4 (field 1 990 A/m).
- Corrosion resistance: Four test methods described for MIM stainless alloys - sulfuric acid immersion, copper sulfate plating check, boiling water exposure and salt spray (ISO 9227) with pass/fail criteria or project‑specific agreement.
- Testing methods & specimen prep: Normative test methods referenced (ISO 2740, ISO 6892‑1, etc.). The standard emphasises that tensile data should come from specimens prepared per ISO 2740 from the same batch and process as production parts.
- Designation & material specification blocks: Provides a system for material designation, identity and individual item information to support procurement and traceability.
- Minimum value concept: Material selection may be based on minimum guaranteed mechanical and magnetic property values.
Applications and users
Who benefits:
- Design engineers specifying MIM components for automotive, medical, consumer goods, electronics, and industrial applications.
- Materials engineers & metallurgists validating alloy selection and heat treatment.
- MIM manufacturers and quality/inspection teams implementing tests and ensuring compliance.
- Procurement and compliance officers creating material purchase specifications and supplier agreements.
Practical use:
- Use EN ISO 22068:2014 to define acceptance criteria, test methods, and contractual material data for MIM parts; to compare candidate MIM alloys; and to align test protocols with internationally accepted methods.
Related standards
Key referenced standards include ISO 2740, ISO 3369, ISO 6892‑1, ISO 4498, ISO 6507‑1, ISO 6508‑1, IEC 60404‑4, ISO 9227 and ASTM pycnometer methods (D2638, D4892). These are used to perform the normative tests required by EN ISO 22068:2014.
