Prototyping for Metal Injection Moulding: 3DEO presents an AM solution for matching density and chemistry
June 15, 2017
A gear (top) and heat sink (bottom) produced by 3DEO (Courtesy PolyAlloys)
The nature of Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) technology means that creating functional prototypes that match the density and chemistry of the final parts can be both expensive and time-consuming, whilst machined or powder-bed based AM alternatives simply do not allow for a realistic assessment of how a component will function. In an article for Powder Injection Moulding International magazine’s Summer 2017 issue, 3DEO’s Matt Sand presents a new service that promises to deliver prototypes and low to medium volume runs of components that match the performance of MIM parts.
3DEO’s novel, low-cost Additive Manufacturing technology appears to be uniquely suited to help accelerate component development in the MIM industry. Existing technologies used for MIM prototyping often include subtractive manufacturing and laser sintering processes, but neither produce parts with material properties analogous to MIM.
According to the article, 3DEO’s AM process uses existing MIM infrastructure and materials to create prototype parts that are held to the same density and chemistry specifications as MIM parts, based on MPIF Standard 35.
Sand’s fully illustrated six-page article gives insight into the strategic business advantages offered by 3DEO’s prototyping service for the MIM industry, plus a step-by-step look at the company’s proprietary Intelligent Layering® process. Readers can view the digital edition of PIM International Vol. 11, No. 2 free of charge via the magazine website, or receive the print edition with the purchase of a year’s subscription.
