Application: Medication Carts Functional Requirements: Enough strength to resist “low-tech” lock disabling techniques; non-magnetic

Competing Technology: They were initially plastic, which did not have acceptable strength Material: MIM-316L

1. Part weight 92 grams 2. Needs sintering supports to prevent distortion in the furnace 3. ID extended to cut down on cross-sectional thickness 4. Reasonable corrosion resistance

1. Part weight 47 grams 2. “Free” extra features to “lighten” parts put in tool opening & closing directions 3. Reasonable corrosion resistance

Lightening features to get acceptable cross sectional thickness in MIM from the original plastic design

On both parts coining is required to open interrupted diameter, which closes in sintering. Lightening Feature

Why MIM? – 316L Material more than adequate for strength & corrosion requirements – Geometry requires a molded part of some type (dies cast, investment cast) with the same feature detail as plastic injection molding – Yearly quantity low for MIM (<10,000/year) but engineering requirements were straightforward – Plastic to MIM conversion relatively rare. The key to this project working for both sides is the high end value of the medication cart.