Miniature tool set that helps promote MIM technology wins 2014 JPMA award
December 10, 2014
Japanese Metal Injection Moulding producer Castem Co. Ltd. has received a Japan Powder Metallurgy Association (JPMA) award for a miniature tool set manufactured by MIM. Whilst there have been many decorative miniature tools produced, for example for key chains or accessories, these are non-functional and the materials used to make them are silver, or die-cast aluminium or zinc, making them far from being real tools.
Castem has not only given these complex tools full functionality, but they are also manufactured using authentic tool materials such as stainless steel and tool steel.
The JPMA award winning Metal Injection Moulded tool set manufactured by Castem Co Ltd
Product development for the miniature tool set was carried out by the company’s experienced engineers who carefully designed the moulds for the eleven tools. The parts were manufactured by MIM and assembled in Castem’s MIM facility.
The material used for the micrometer and callipers is SUS630, equivalent to 17-4. SKD11, equivalent to D2 tool steel, was selected for all the others tools.
The tool set has had significant exposure on TV and in newspapers in Japan and has contributed to an increase in public awareness of MIM. The set includes a micrometer, scissors, needle nose pliers, hacksaw, water pump pliers, wire cutters, machine vice, callipers, adjustable wrench, pliers and a C Clamp.
