As the Metal Injection Molding (MIM) industry is undergoing significant growth, MIM technical personnel or project managers unfamiliar with the MIM industry may find themselves managing a plant start-up or expansion. Issues regarding environmental compliance, health & safety, quality management, plant and operations, and sales and marketing impact the cost and speed of bringing on new production. A listing of issues to be addressed is presented and specific information on selected topics is covered in greater detail. Detailed information is provided on environmental compliance and air permitting, upgrading electrical power, contracting and installing industrial gases, finding operations personnel and quality management. For example, utility contracts can incorporate clauses for time of day metering and additional usage discounts. Industrial gas contracts offer multitudes of potential pitfalls. Plant layout designs must incorporate short electrical runs for the smallest power losses with code-compliant placement of water, natural gas and industrial gas supplies. Implementing a recognized Quality System is a leading consideration when making any operational decision, particularly selection of process controls, computer systems and overall process flow. Thorough management of these items can lead to efficient production implementation with the lowest start-up and ongoing costs.
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