Simply speaking, MIM is similar to die casting in principle, both involve injecting metal into a die. The main practical difference between MIM and die casting is the available material.

Although both methods can produce very complex parts at high volume, only aluminium, magnesium and zinc part can be made through die casting. If you need very high volume steel or titanium parts, MIM may be the only option.

Another major limitation of MIM is the part size. In most cases part weigh up to 1kg can be made, compared to parts that can be several hundred times heavier that can be produced via die casting.

MIM is a very cost-effective way to create high strength and complex shapes compare to other alternatives such as Investment casting or 3D printing in volume. It is also less expensive than CNC when it comes to large quantity

While both processes can produce metal parts in high volume, there are some significant difference.

MIM is excellent for complex shapes, while PM can only be used for simpler geometry such as gears, etc.

PM can produce part significantly larger in size than MIM

MIM requires higher temperatures to sinter, and the large shrinkage / waste rate making it far more expensive than PM.

Because of the mould cost, MIM is not usually applied to lower production quantities, yet proves very effective for large quantities. Generally, production quantities of 100,000 or more per year are attractive for very small parts

The minimum reasonable production runs are in the range from 5,000 to 20,000 per year. Below 5,000 is possible but the overall economic advantage will be lost compare to alternative production methods

The MIM process shares many attributes with plastics. Both favour hollow and thin-walled shape, with tapers and generally slender geometries..

Generally, if a part is possible in plastics, then it is possible via MIM, but it might not be economical.