3D Binder-Jet Metal Printing Technology for Medical Components
December 1, 2023
Biopsy forceps (pictured) and similar medical graspers and components are ideal components for Smith Metal Products Bridge-to-MIM process, the company reported.
"Medical designers looking to streamline processes and reduce time-to-market and are now able to verify a product before committing to expensive mold design and building. Smith Metal Products advanced 3D Binder-Jet Metal Printing additive production system is a cost-effective alternative to building test molds or CNC machining prototype parts," said a company spokesperson.
Smith Metal Products quick-turn 3D Binder-Jet Metal Printing provides customers the ability to evaluate, modify and verify their product/components utilizing a MIM-like process. Designers can see, touch and evaluate prototype MIM-like parts comparable to metal injection molded parts in as little as one to two weeks. Available part materials for Smith's 3D Binder-Jet Printing include stainless steel and other alloys upon request.
"Once a design is finalized and approved for production, Smith Metal Products Metal Injection Molding is often a preferred process to achieve small precision medical device components," said the spokesperson. "That is because MIM parts are precise, net-shaped and can be produced faster than machining and usually with no secondary operations. If a high tolerance needs to be held and cannot be entirely MIM molded, Smith uses CNC machining equipment to achieve tighter specifications while still being more competitive than complete machining of parts."
The MIM process is suitable for components with complicated geometries in annual volumes of 10,000 pieces or more and a finished part weight of less than 100 g (3.5 oz). All dimensions of the component should be 3" or less, and the maximum wall thickness should be 3 mm (0.125") or less.
Smith Metal Products operates a state-of-the art 65,000 sq. ft. facility that is ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 certified. Other accreditations include ITAR and Federal Firearms License (FFL).
For more information contact:
Smith Metal Products
15045 Per Road
Center City, MN 55012
651-257-3143
sales@smithmetals.com
www.smithmetals.com
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