In the EU and US lock markets, competition has evolved from product-level rivalry to in-depth strategic ecosystem battles. Faced with triple pressures—homogenization-driven cutthroat competition, evolving safety standards, and global supply chain volatility—the traditional passive “contract processing” model can no longer support brands in building long-term competitiveness. By leveraging deep application of Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technology and the rise of a “Co-Development Collaboration Model,” Yibi is empowering EU & US lock brands to build “irreplaceable” product barriers from both technical and collaborative perspectives.
3 Core Dilemmas Facing the EU & US Lock Industry
- Severe Homogenization, Lack of Differentiation
Low barriers to entry for traditional processes (e.g., CNC machining, stamping) have led to 60% of mid-to-low-end civilian locks (e.g., apartment locks) in the EU sharing identical designs (“straight lock bodies + standard pins”) and anti-pry ratings (EN 1303 Grade 2). Brands are forced to cut prices to compete, while high-end custom needs (e.g., special-shaped cores for villas) remain unmet.
- Outdated Traditional Processes Amid Safety Standard Upgrades
Certifications like UL 437 (US) and EN 1303 (EU) impose strict requirements for drill resistance and impact resistance. Traditional processes produce lock pins (1.5-2mm diameter) with tolerances exceeding ±0.1mm, requiring an extra 2mm of lock body thickness to meet standards—raising costs by 15% and reducing assembly efficiency.
- Dual Pressures from Costs & Supply Chains
Metal raw material prices fluctuated by over 25% between 2023-2024. Traditional processes only achieve 60%-70% material utilization (30%-40% waste in CNC machining), compounded by high labor costs in the EU/US and transatlantic logistics delays (7-14 days on average), further undermining delivery stability.
3 Core Breakthroughs of MIM Technology: Aligned with EU & US Needs
MIM is not just a process replacement—it delivers triple breakthroughs in “material-structure-precision” to support brand strategies, with core value closely aligned with long-term brand goals:
- Over 98% Material Utilization for Cost Optimization
Unlike traditional CNC machining (30%-40% material waste), MIM’s “near-net shaping” requires minimal finishing, achieving over 98% material utilization. For stainless steel lock core components, MIM cuts raw material costs by 30%-40%, balancing premium positioning and profit margins in mass production.
- Integrated Molding for Complex Structures, Unlocking Design Freedom
Anti-pry performance relies on structure—MIM enables integrated molding of irregular cavities and multi-component parts (no assembly needed). For example, smart lock “core + sensor base + anti-pry shell” can be molded in one piece, improving impact resistance by 50% (deformation rate reduced from 8% to 4% in EN 12209 tests) while eliminating security gaps at joints, fitting compact design needs.
- High Precision & Density, Meeting Stringent Standards Easily
MIM products achieve dimensional tolerance within ±0.03mm, surface roughness Ra ≤1.6μm, and sintered density of 95%-99%. Drill-resistant parts made via MIM withstand drilling for over 25 minutes—far exceeding the 10-minute requirement of UL 437—compared to 12 minutes with traditional casting + CNC.
Co-Development Collaboration Model: Delivering Results Through Process Alignment
Yibi’s co-development model focuses on deep early-stage involvement in product R&D, based on brand needs. It provides practical support for MIM process adaptation, structural optimization, and cost control—helping brands avoid process risks and improve R&D/production efficiency.
The success of this model relies on solid capabilities, which are Yibi’s core advantages as a long-term partner for EU & US brands:
- Technical Expertise: 16 years of MIM experience, 80 senior engineers (40% dedicated to precision lock molding), 50+ related patents, and 30+ advanced pieces of equipment (including German degreasing sintering furnaces with ±1℃ temperature control) for rapid response to custom needs.
- Compliance Readiness: Certified to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949; products meet RoHS/REACH environmental standards; core components comply with UL 437/EN 1303; end-to-end traceability reports provided to meet EU/US market access requirements.
- Trustworthy Partnership: Strict protection of brand technical secrets (no reuse of custom solutions); local EU/US offices for communication; sample delivery in as short as 7 days for regular custom needs, and 4-6 weeks for bulk orders (with sufficient raw material stock)—supporting brand launch timelines.
Conclusion: Co-Development Is the Future, Cases Prove Value
For EU & US lock brands, the key to breaking through dilemmas lies in finding partners that enable technology implementation and hassle-free R&D. MIM solves “how to manufacture,” while the co-development model answers “what to manufacture and how to align with needs”—together, they build truly irreplaceable product barriers.
Currently, a top global lock brand has achieved dual breakthroughs in safety performance and production efficiency through co-development with Yibi, continuously increasing its high-end market share.
If you are an R&D director or procurement director at an EU/US lock brand seeking a partner to help build product barriers, feel free to message us to schedule a factory visit or technical discussion. Let’s start with “co-development” and build irreplaceable competitiveness—with MIM technology as our bridge.