New application of powder injection molded product in medical field

Abstract

Nowadays, majority part of powder injection molding (PIM) market in Europe consists in automotive (43 %). In contrast, to medical applications only 13 % of market is devoted. This paper is focused on a new design and production technology of the adenoid cutting curette used in otorhinolaryngology. In the theoretical part, the present design issues of the cutting curette are shown, and time consumption and wear problems of sterilisation are described. Experimental part consists in selection of suitable metal powder for medical application, computeraided engineering (CAE) Moldflow analysis of proper gating system followed by construction of injection mold and production of real samples. The new design of replaceable cutting edge is easily customized according to various shapes of patient oral cavity and for doctor's need. © 2016. Published by Manufacturing Technology.