Kinetics Climax, Inc., Wilsonville, Oregon, USA, has launched a new MIM rapid prototyping service, branded QuickMIM^TM, in order to meet the demand from end-users for sample MIM components without the initial high capital investment in production tooling and the associated development time.

The system uses prototype tooling combined with production injection moulding machines and debinding/sintering furnaces, significantly reducing tooling costs and lead-times. Production grade feedstock is also used and a quick turnaround time of 21 days for up to 500 as-sintered parts is offered. Standard materials offered include 17-4PH, 316, 420, 12Cr, 4605 and 420Nb. Kinetics also offers a smartphone app that allows customers to select MIM materials based on their required properties.

Kinetics stated, “Customers can now achieve unparalleled real world results by leveraging our quick, low cost, low risk prototyping services. As early product design quickly evolves and time to market becomes more critical, the early selection in sourcing manufacturing methods can play a critical role on project success. QuickMIM offers design teams an early, quick and cost-effective alternative to directly test component design form, fit and function utilising production-grade MIM materials. Successfully prototyping with QuickMIM can allow customers to specify and scale this manufacturing method for production, dramatically shortening development timeline and accelerating the production path by avoiding alternative prototyping methods that often don’t represent final production properties.”

www.kinetics.com