MIM Case Study – Lock Handle MIM Case Study – Lock Handle ComponentsComponents

Application: Medication Carts

Functional Requirements: Enough strength to resist “low-tech” lock disabling techniques; non-magnetic

MIM Case Study – Lock Handle MIM Case Study – Lock Handle ComponentsComponents

Competing Technology: They were initially plastic, which did not have acceptable strength

Material: MIM-316L

MIM Case Study – Handle 1MIM 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 2MIM 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 – HandlesMIM Case Study – Handles

Lightening features to get acceptable cross sectional thickness in MIM from the original plastic design

MIM Case Study – HandlesMIM Case Study – Handles

On both parts coining is required to open interrupted diameter, which closes in sintering.

Lightening Feature

MIM Case Study – HandlesMIM 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.