Advanced LOCK Manufacturing Techniques-MIM Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

The lock cylinder is the core component of a lock, and its structural design and material selection significantly impact its anti-theft performance. Due to the need for

high material hardness and complex structural designs, traditional machining processes often face numerous challenges during production. However, Metal Injection

Molding (MIM) technology demonstrates significant advantages in addressing these issues.

1. Importance of Lock Cylinder and Lock Case Structural Design

The structural design of the lock cylinder and lock case is critical in preventing technical unlocking. Traditional machining often encounters the following issues with

complex structures:

•Processing Difficulty and Efficiency: Complex structures require high-precision machining, resulting in greater difficulty and lower production efficiency.

•Burr Issues: Burrs generated during machining can affect the lock’s flexibility and assembly precision, potentially compromising the overall performance of the lock.

2. Material Hardness and Anti-Theft Performance

The hardness of lock materials directly determines their anti-theft performance. However, in traditional machining, higher material hardness significantly increases

production difficulty, reduces efficiency, and raises manufacturing costs.

Advantages of MIM Technology in Lock Production

1). Structural Optimization

•MIM technology uses injection molding to achieve complex lock part structures, improving production efficiency and reducing processing costs.

•Molded parts allow for the inclusion of chamfers in assembly and movable areas to reduce friction and prevent parts from scraping against one another, enhancing

assembly precision and operational flexibility.

2). Material Performance Optimization

•MIM technology offers a diverse range of material options, including low-carbon stainless steel and high-carbon alloy steel, with hardness reaching HRC55 or higher.

•The reliability of these materials provides strong assurance for the safety and durability of locks.

Appendix: Security Levels of Anti-Theft Locks (National Standards)

According to national standards, the security levels of anti-theft locks are classified into A, B, and C grades, with the following performance criteria for lock cylinders:

a). A-Grade Lock Cylinder

•Technical unlocking resistance: ≥1 minute

•Drill resistance: ≥10 minutes

•Saw resistance: ≥5 minutes

•Pry resistance: ≥10 minutes

•Pull resistance: ≥10 minutes

•Impact resistance: ≥10 minutes

b). B-Grade Lock Cylinder

•Technical unlocking resistance: ≥5 minutes

•Drill resistance: ≥15 minutes

•Saw resistance: ≥5 minutes

•Pry resistance: ≥15 minutes

•Pull resistance: ≥15 minutes

•Impact resistance: ≥15 minutes

c). C-Grade Lock Cylinder

•Technical unlocking resistance: ≥10 minutes

•Drill resistance: ≥30 minutes

•Saw resistance: ≥30 minutes

•Pry resistance: ≥30 minutes

•Pull resistance: ≥30 minutes

•Impact resistance: ≥30 minutes

By leveraging MIM technology, complex lock structures and high-performance materials can be produced more efficiently and effectively, providing strong support for

the safety and performance of locks.