Fabrication
Achieving a yield strength rate of 234,000 psi, the 440C tabs support and align the print head module and are subjected to impact force during printing. The 316L catches guide and feed paper to the printing module.
The support tabs achieved a density of >7.5 g/cm³, tensile strength of 1,670 MPa (242 ksi), a yield strength of 1,615 MPa (234 ksi), and hardness of >50 HRC. The catches achieved a density of >7.6/cm³, a tensile strength of 520 MPa (75 ksi) a yield strength of 175 MPa (25 ksi), and a hardness of 67 HRB.
Results
Choosing the MIM process over casting and machining yielded:
- A 40% cost savings
- Superior finishing
- Corrosion resistance and strength