2019
Ronald Nichols
Nashville, TN
The purpose of the presentation is to provide attendees with an understanding of the metal injection molding (MIM) process, the potential for subclass characteristics and the implications of that potential for firearm examiners and IBIS Technicians.
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a process by which various firearm parts including triggers, lock hoods, and housing blocks among others. The flexibility of MIM to use various types of metal and produce parts in high volume at low cost has caused the firearms industry to be the largest consumer of MIM components in the United States. Metal injection molding has also been used to produce firearm parts that mark ammunition components including firing pins, extractors and ejectors. This presents a significant issue for firearm examiners and IBIS Technician because parts produced in the same mold have the potential for subclass characteristics.