Fabrication

Made from a MIM-440 stainless steel, the part has a complex and very small geometry that pushed the MIM process to the very limits of tolerance capabilities. 100% dimensional checks utilizing vision systems and CMM ensured product conformance. The part's 5 mm diameter size, less than half the previous low of 12 mm, enables new procedures to be created and existing procedures to be enhanced. Part density is 7.6 g/cm³, hardness 44 HRC, ultimate tensile strength 203 ksi, and elongation 4%.

Results

This component is not economically feasible using any other manufacturing method, and its creation was the result of many design-for-manufacturing sessions with the customer. The complexity of the design required heavy communication enabling the delivery of a high precision component utilizing MIM at high volumes.