Grand Prize: Injection molded articulation gear, Parmatech Corp. (Petaluma, CA)
The award was given to a 17-4 PH stainless steel articulation gear used in a surgical stapling unit. Made by metal injection molding to a density of more than 7.65 g/cm³, the MIM part has an ultimate tensile strength of 130,000 psi, a yield strength of 106,000 psi, and an HRC 25 hardness.
The complex MIM design, which has tight tolerances, is formed to a net shape and requires no secondary operations. The MIM design provided a 70 percent cost savings compared to machining the gear from bar stock.
Contact: Dan (DJ) Lauck, Sales Manger
Email: dlauck@parmatech.com
Phone: 707.781.2961
