From Aviation to Implants: The MIM Industrial Standard
A technical review of the 2014 research project that proved the feasibility of micro-molding body jewelry using Metal Injection Moulding (MIM).
In 2014, Patrick Poli and his son Frédéric Poli directed an extensive clinical testing phase in Thailand to solve the issue of micro-fractures in body art engineering. By collaborating with US-based sintering expert Dr. Robert Sanford, they achieved a world-first in micro-molding for the industry.
The Feasibility of Micro-MIM
While traditional Acetal producing a kind of "cement-based" feedstocks made thin-wall molding impossible, the Sanford-Poli trials achieved stunning results: successful injection of components with threads down to 0.8mm. This proved that MIM technology, though still in development, could produce structural integrity far beyond traditional casting.
The 2014 Thailand MIM Research Workflow
Directing the future of affordable micro-molding for body jewelry
The project focused on high-purity metal powders. Our collaboration with US-based sintering expert Dr. Robert Sanford ensured we used aerospace-grade benchmarks for all raw materials.
Thailand Research Archive 2014
DOCUMENT_REF: PI-THA-MIM-1 - Authorized by Patrick Poli
🔍 Hover over archive photos for high-resolution technical zoom
MIM-FEASIBILITY-PHASE-01© 2026 POLI INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING
Industrial Implementation: High Precision, Lower Cost
A complete, in-house MIM setup is capital-intensive, with professional equipment quotes often exceeding $1M. However, our research proved that for existing jewelry manufacturers, the process is highly affordable. By utilizing standard injection machines and outsourcing the specialized debinding and sintering, any professional facility can achieve aerospace-grade results without the massive overhead.
Patrick's Perspective
"In 2014, my son Frédéric and I set up an extensive testing phase in Thailand to prove that MIM could revolutionize body jewelry. We collaborated closely with Dr. Robert Sanford, who managed the sintering trials in the USA. While a full, in-house MIM line involves massive capital, what we achieved was far more practical. By using our existing injection machines and outsourcing the specialized debinding and sintering, we proved that high-precision MIM is affordable. We successfully produced pieces with 0.8mm threads and incredibly thin walls—likely a world-first in micro-molding for our industry."
Founder & Piercing Expert
UK Studio Clinical Record Verified
Aerospace Validation: Eliminating Fatigue Failure
The 2014 Sanford-Poli trials specifically targeted the elimination of hard-to-detect cracks. NASA Technical Handbook (NASA-HDBK-5026) validates that high-pressure heat treatments (H.I.P.) "not only closes flaws but also fuses them together," ensuring parts possess the durability of wrought stainless steel.
Visual Journey: 2014 Archive Photos
Direct evidence from the 2014 clinical trials in Thailand, showing the transition from raw materials to final medical-grade jewelry.
Multimedia Technical Briefs
Deep-dive resources generated from our internal clinical data to assist professionals in understanding MIM metallurgy.
The Sanford-Poli Engineering Files
Analyzing the 2014 research breakthrough in aerospace-grade MIM for body jewelry structural integrity.
Technical Specifications
| PARAMETER_ID | QUALIFIED_STANDARD |
|---|---|
| Theoretical Density | > 99.2% |
| Surface Finish | Ra < 0.8μm (Off-Oven) |
| Tooling Life | 200,000 Cycles (Steel) |
| Research Lead | Dr. Robert Sanford (2014) |
Cross-References
- [1] REF_ASTM_F136: Titanium 6Al4V ELI
- [2] REF_NASA_HDBK_5026: Fracture Control Requirements
- [3] REF_SANFORD_POLI_2014: Thailand Clinical Implementation
Put Science Into Practice
This technical standard is the architectural foundation for our professional analytical tools.