Fabrication

All the parts feature complex 3D geometry, especially the features on the articulation connector, that would be extremely difficult to machine. This powder metallurgy (PM) part is much smaller than the existing device, which lead to smaller tolerance and variation allowance with finer attention to detail. Only a small amount of machining was used during component creation. All other parts were made to net shape with print dimensions met using no secondary operations.

Results

These are designed-for-PM parts, saving an estimated 70% over machining them. The ability of the MIM process to produce parts of different alloys with tight tolerances enabled the design of a smaller endoscopic device, a critical benefit in thoracic surgery.