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MIM Case Study – Lock Handle Components. Application : Medication Carts Functional Requirements : Enough strength to resist “low-tech” lock disabling techniques; non-magnetic. MIM Case Study – Lock Handle Components.
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MIM Case Study – Lock Handle Components Application: Medication Carts Functional Requirements: Enough strength to resist “low-tech” lock disabling techniques; non-magnetic
MIM Case Study – Lock Handle Components Competing Technology: They were initially plastic, which did not have acceptable strength Material: MIM-316L
MIM Case Study – Handle 1 1. Part weight 92 grams 2. Needs sintering supports to prevent distortion in the furnace 3. ID extended to cut down on cross-sectional thickness 4. Reasonable corrosion resistance
MIM Case Study – Handle 2 1. Part weight 47 grams 2. “Free” extra features to “lighten” parts put in tool opening & closing directions 3. Reasonable corrosion resistance
MIM Case Study – Handles Lightening features to get acceptable cross sectional thickness in MIM from the original plastic design
MIM Case Study – Handles Lightening Feature On both parts coining is required to open interrupted diameter, which closes in sintering.
MIM Case Study – Handles • Why MIM? • 316L Material more than adequate for strength & corrosion requirements • Geometry requires a molded part of some type (dies cast, investment cast) with the same feature detail as plastic injection molding • Yearly quantity low for MIM (<10,000/year) but engineering requirements were straightforward • Plastic to MIM conversion relatively rare. The key to this project working for both sides is the high end value of the medication cart.