Parmatech Case Study

Articulation Gear Case Study

Application:

Medical Instrument – Interior Mechanical Component

Functional
Requirements:

Mechanical Strength, Precision for overmolding

Competing
Technologies:

Plastic Injection Molding, Machining

Overall Size:

LxWxH = 0.460in x 0.386in x 0.895 in

Part Weight:

6.1 grams

Material:

MIM-17-4 PH

Why MIM?

MIM Issues

–Roundness < 0.003 in required for shut-off surface during over-mold process
      Mold flow uniform in area of shut-off diameter
       •Gravity effects negligible and setter drag isolated away from critical diameter
       Coining step prepared for but not necessary due to process capability
–Stability during processing / Quality of gear teeth
•Custom setters
• Interrupted gear teeth shut-offs

•Economics

–No individual part handling once stacked from molding

–No secondary operations

–Qualified with same material part through processing to allow for smaller lot size until volume increases

•Conclusion

–Good application for MIM

–Fast turnaround from release of model to part approval

–Cost saving for customer and profitable for MIM supplier