MPIF award winning Powder Metallurgy parts showcase a growing industry
June 15, 2016
Hand Tools/Recreation: Parmatech Corporation
The Award of Distinction in the Hand Tools/Recreation Category was given to Parmatech Corporation, Petaluma, California, USA, for a MIM 4605 low-alloy steel trigger used in an adjustable trigger system on a pump-action shotgun.
The extremely complex part geometry, which features multiple thickness changes and slots, required precise tooling to address sufficient machine stock for effective secondary operations. The MIM trigger delivers savings of around 50% over the machined version it replaced.
Electronic/Electrical: Indo-US MIM Tec Pvt. Ltd
An Award of Distinction in the Electronic/Electrical Category was presented to Indo-US MIM Tec Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, India, for three parts, a mirror cover, a base, and a middle, made for Optosense.
Moulded from MIM-316L stainless steel, the parts are assembled into an infrared gas sensor for methane and carbon dioxide detection that has extremely low power consumption. A new application designed specifically for the MIM process, these are medium-complexity parts that have an aesthetic requirement on a few reflective surfaces.
Electronic/Electrical: GKN Sinter Metals
A further Award of Distinction in the Electronic/Electrical Category went to GKN Sinter Metals, Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, for an aluminium heat sink made for Visteon. The heat sink is used in a high-volume automotive stereo application.
The part is produced to net shape with no secondary machining operations needed. The high material ductility of the special aluminium PM alloy, combined with the precise positioning of the tooled-in assembly holes, enables assembly of the heat sink without the need for attachment screws.
Medical/Dental: Flomet, LLC
An Award of Distinction in the Medical/Dental Category was presented to Flomet, LLC, an ARC Group Worldwide Company, DeLand, Florida, USA for a MIM tungsten electrode used in a surgical ablation device. The device uses high temperature for the removal of tissue and the use of tungsten enables the electrode to reach its operating temperature more efficiently, maintaining it for a longer time than with other alloys.
Medical/Dental: Advanced Forming Technology
A further Award of Distinction in the Medical/Dental Category was given to Advanced Forming Technology, an ARC Group Worldwide Company, Longmont, California, USA, for a MIM wedge blank used in an endoscopic staple gun.
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. The part’s 5 mm diameter, less than half the previous low of 12 mm, enables new procedures to be created and enhances procedures in smaller patients, particularly in the area of paediatrics.
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