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| Resources | ||
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| Design Considerations | ||
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PIM Design Considerations |
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Quick Tips | Geometry and Tooling | Dimensional Tolerance |
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Although complex geometries can be fabricated via PIM, only certain component characteristics prove to be both technically and economically viable. Mass/Volume PIM excels as a process by providing a high fly-to-buy ratio. In many cases, this attribute makes it a more advantageous manufacturing solution versus other subtractive metal forming applications. Material The PIM process is most applicable to materials that are difficult to machine, materials with multi-phase microstructures, or high work hardening materials. Surface Finish PIM can achieve a high quality surface finish with little or no cost penalty. Complexity Components that require multiple axes for indexing and machining are the best candidates for PIM. Quantity Tooling and set up costs are best justified for higher production volumes (>20,000 pieces per year). However, lower production volumes may be suitable for some applications. Integration Integrating several components into a single part can reduce inventory and assembly costs while at the same time enhancing performance. Performance If high performance is not required, then examine die compaction but anticipate low impact toughness, fracture toughness, fatigue and corrosion properties. Alternatively, if performance is important, then full density processing is required. These higher performance properties can be achieved via PIM. Tolerances In all manufacturing processes there is an inherent cost for tighter tolerances. AMT excels in working with customers through the design stage to minimize the cost penalty when tolerancing dimensions. Design Window Every manufacturing technology operates within an optimum set of process parameters. It is important to identify the area where the process and product design windows intersect. For PIM key product design criteria include draft angles, wall thickness, and corner radii, among others. Blemishes The PIM process can produce surface blemishes at the parting line as well as in the gating area. Both need to be placed in non-critical areas of the component. Novel Compositions Material compositions that are difficult to attain via traditional metal forming process can be suitable via PIM. For example, wear resistant specifications can be met via mixed metal-ceramic materials.
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