CMG technologies invests for growth in MIM titanium parts production
December 3, 2014
UK based Metal Injection Moulding specialist CMG Technologies has taken delivery of a new sintering furnace which, states the company, will enable it to manufacture complex components from a variety of new materials including titanium. Purchased through a business grant awarded by New Anglia LEP, the new ECM Technologies furnace was delivered to CMG’s manufacturing facility in Rendlesham, Suffolk, earlier this month and has already been put to good use with the innovative production of titanium components.
The new ECM Technologies vacuum furnace will be used to process MIM titanium components
Investment in the new furnace means CMG Technologies now has the in-house capability to manufacture complex components using precious metals such as titanium at a fraction of the cost compared to conventional manufacturing methods. This is achieved by only using the material required to manufacture the component to a net shape, eliminating costly machining and the production of scrap metal.
CMG’s development of MIM titanium was originally achieved through a joint collaboration with Johnson Matthey and Sheffield University. The company manufactures its own MIM feedstock in-house. Phil Marsh, Technical and Production Director, stated, “Our collaboration with Johnson Matthey and Sheffield University was a great success, resulting in titanium components with an excellent surface finish of RA 0.6 µm and a high density of 95%.”
“Following our investment in the new furnace, we will now be able to produce high quality titanium components in-house, facilitating business growth as we access a diverse range of new markets looking to invest in a high commodity, light weight metal at significantly reduced costs.”
As well as cost savings, CMG states that its customers will also benefit from the metal’s strength, durability and biocompatibility, which is particularly desirable for a wide range of applications in the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors. Rachel Garrett, CMG Technologies’ Sales & Marketing Director, stated that the company’s customer base has increased by 56% in recent years.
