CTC receives patents for MIM ammunition cartridge cases
April 10, 2023
Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), Johnstown, Pennsylvannia, USA, has been awarded two patents for a new shell case design produced by Metal Injection Molding. The patents detail the invention of a single-piece, high-strength metallic cartridge case that is said to be stronger, stiffer and lighter than traditional brass.
The new design is a joint development between CTC and the US Army to improve a soldier’s effectiveness through increased lethality, improved accuracy, and reduced ammunition weight.
Several cartridge calibers have been demonstrated with distinct advantages over competing solutions, such as hybrid metallic-polymer and multi-piece metallic cartridge cases. Metal injection moulded cartridge benefits reportedly include:
- 30% case weight reduction vs. brass
- High-pressure capability, up to 100 ksi tested
- Increased muzzle velocity, up to 10% over brass
- Increased accuracy (sub-MOA [Minute of Angle])
- Durable stainless steel case material with reliable functionality from -54ºC to 107ºC
- Rugged, single-piece design with no corrosion issues
- Compatible with existing brass case taper, trim, load, assemble, and pack manufacturing infrastructure
United States Patents 11465207 and 11493314 are intended to protect the US government’s ability to organically produce and supply this technology to the warfighter but allow cost reduction and maturation through private commercialisation.
“This award comes at a time when global commodity prices for copper and brass are at all-time highs. The use of high-strength, lightweight stainless steel cartridge cases in ammunition production reduces manufacturing costs,” stated Edward J Sheehan, Jr, CTC president and CEO. “The CTC team has done an outstanding job of analysing requirements, developing a solution, and ensuring it is cost effective and scalable.”
Additional cost savings include:
- Reduced fuel and transportation costs from cartridge weight savings
- Easy firing range cleanup due to cases being magnetic
- Reloadable for consumer and competitive shooting
“We’re extremely excited to get this advanced technology to the warfighter to reduce their combat load and increase their mobility and lethality,” added Shawn Rhodes, CTC Principal Mechanical Engineer. “It’s an honor to develop technologies that benefit those who protect our country.”
The activity that led to this patent is part of CTC’s overall ammunition and weapon systems engineering services. The shell casing design inventors are Todd Skowron, Juan Valencia, Shawn Rhodes, and William Brueggen.
