The company has also increased proces capacity. In April, it launched online quoting for its 3D printing capabilities.
RapidMIM, which the company launched in late 2013, can reduce the lead time necessary to produce production-quality MIM components from the typical six to eight-week process to less than two weeks.
The shortened lead time provides designers and engineers with the ability to validate the form, fit, and function prior to final design freeze. The compressed validation time can also provide additional design optimization, improving the final device performance and user experience. Also, by improving design, users ultimately reduce final device cost.
The RapidMIM process is designed for short run volumes, producing parts from the single digits into the thousands. It uses the same feedstock and materials as traditional MIM. Alloys available include low alloy steels, such as MIM-4605 and 4140, stainless steel alloys, such as 17-4PH and 316L, and super alloys, such as Inconel 718 and MAR-M-247. RapidMIM also utilizes the same processing route with debinding and sintering, therefore mechanical properties and surface finishes are comparable to traditional metal injection moulding components.
