The Precision of Powder Metallurgy
Medical implants are on the rise. Over 4.7 million Americans have undergone complete knee replacements and 2.5 million have undergone total hip arthroscopy. This is a global trend, and the precision of powder metallurgy (PM) plays a role in improving quality of life through its ability to meet or exceed expectations in regards to size, complexity, material properties, volume, reliability, and bio-compatibility.
Review the medical case studies below to learn how and why PM has earned its reputation as a precise and reliable metal-forming technology.
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Precision: Surgical Suture Instrument
A shaft assembly used in a novel surgical instrument for passing sutures through difficult-to-reach tissue.
- Highly complex, single-use instrument
- High volume, 17-4PH stainless steel
- Four to five times cost savings over alternative manufacturing technologies
- Sustainable: 90% waste savings over machining from bar stock
Complexity: Endoscopic Staple Gun
This wedge blank actuates the release of staples in the endoscopic staple gun.
- Designed to be the smallest, most effective on the market
- Extremely small, complex geometry solution
- High strength 440 stainless steel
- This part can’t be made economically using alternative manufacturing technologies
Innovation: Gear System for Surgical Device
This planetary gear system is used for gear reduction in a single-use surgical device.
- Integration of posts to flange eliminate additional assembly
- Engineered using high wear resistant and durable materials
- New part design improved cost effectiveness by 60%
- Provided portability for the surgeon