Medical Applications of Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
This innovative process is a game-changer, enabling rapid prototyping and mass production of highly detailed components critical in modern medical surgeries. In this article, we will explore how MIM’s benefits can advance medical manufacturing, helping manufacturers stay ahead of the industry curve.
Why MIM is Ideal for Medical Applications
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is widely used in the medical industry due to its ability to produce highly precise and complex components with tight tolerances, which is essential for medical devices such as surgical instruments and implants. MIM supports a broad range of biocompatible materials, including stainless steels, titanium alloys, and cobalt-chromium based alloy, which are critical for medical applications requiring excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and biocompatibility with the human body. One of the key advantages of MIM is its cost-efficiency in mass production, with reduced material wastage, making it a more sustainable option for businesses. It is an economical solution for producing large volumes of small, intricate medical components without compromising quality, making it ideal for medical consumables and implants.
Types of Medical Parts
Common types of medical MIM parts include surgical instruments such as forceps, clamps, and scissors, as well as components for minimally invasive devices like endoscopic tools and biopsy needles. MIM is also widely used in the production of orthopedic implants, dental implants, and components for diagnostic devices. Additionally, MIM is used to manufacture parts for implantable devices such as pacemaker housings and components for drug delivery systems, where the combination of biocompatibility, strength, and precision is essential.
Best Materials for Medical-Grade MIM Components
With the wide range of material options available in the MIM process, product designer can select metal injection molding based on the specific material properties required for their applications. At AMT, we offer a custom selection of alloys, including stainless steel, tungsten, and superalloys, to meet your unique requirements. The summary below provides an overview of the available MIM materials, their key applications, and features, showcasing the versatility and advantages of MIM.
Stainless Steel in MIM
Non-magnetizable stainless steel with high toughness and good corrosion resistance.
304L stainless steel is used for surgical instruments, medical trays, and hospital equipment due to its corrosion resistance, and ease of sterilization.
Non-magnetizable stainless steel with high toughness and excellent corrosion resistance, especially in chloride-rich environment. The alloy has excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion.
316L stainless steel is commonly used for medical implants, orthopedic devices, and surgical tools because of its superior resistance to body fluids and chlorides, as well as its biocompatibility.
Precipitation hardened stainless steel allowing customizable strength and toughness through heat-treament. Varied heat-treatment profile can be done to suit user’s requirement. Suitable for application that requires a balance of strength and good corrosion resistance.
17-4PH is typically used for surgical instruments, medical devices, and dental tools due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent wear properties, making it suitable for demanding applications.
Hardenable, martensitic stainless steel offering high strength, hardness, wear resistance and moderate corrosion resistance.
420 stainless steel is commonly used for surgical instruments, scalpels, and dental tools due to its high hardness, and wear resistance.
Nitrogen-strengthen austenitic stainless steel providing a combination of outstanding corrosion resistance and strength. Offering greater corrosion resistance and approximate twice the yield strength of 316L stainless steel. Unlike many austenitic stainless steel, Nitronic 50 does not become magnetic when cold worked.
Nitronic 50 is used for surgical instruments, medical implants, and orthopedic devices due to its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and non-magnetic properties, making it suitable for applications requiring durability and biocompatibility.
Tungsten Heavy Alloy (WHA)
Tungsten heavy alloys, composed of tungsten with a nickel-iron binder, are known for their high strength and melting point, making them ideal for high-temperature applications.
In the medical field, they are used for radiation shielding in imaging and cancer treatment devices, as well as precision tools and surgical counterbalances due to their density and strength. These alloys are also a more environmentally friendly alternative to lead.
Superalloy
Nickel-cobalt base alloy that has a unique combination of properties – ultra high strength, toughness, ductility and outstanding corrosion resistance.
MP35N is widely used for medical implants; pacemaker leads, orthopedic devices, and surgical tools, due to its excellent biocompatibility, high strength, and exceptional resistance to corrosion, fatigue, and stress cracking, making it ideal for long-term implantation and demanding environments within the body.
Non-magnetic Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum based alloy with the combination of high strength, corrosion resistance and excellent wear resistance.
F75 is typically used for orthopedic implants, such as hip and knee replacements, as well as dental implants. It is favored for its excellent biocompatibility, high wear resistance, and ability to withstand corrosion, making it ideal for long-term use in the human body.
