PureForm Metal 3D Printing Technology for the Production of Medical Device Components
Greene Group Industries (GGI), your single source for precision metal components and subassembly needs, has recently completed the validation of its metal 3D printing PureForm technology for the production of medical device components. Our PureForm platform delivers complex, high-quality precision MIM-like biocompatible metal parts when you need them.
The PureForm Method
The PureForm method involves a unique mixture of MIM powder and a photoresist polymer binder. Components are constructed layer by layer using specialized high-resolution, high-throughput optical printers. The subsequent “green state” components are then processed through de-bind and sinter, yielding parts that comply with MPIF-35 standards and microstructures that are indistinguishable to MIM. This is attributed to GGI being an industry leader in MIM technology and our ability for creating bookend processes for PureForm that are virtually identical to MIM, the main difference being the forming process of printing vs. injection molding of the green state components.
GGI’s standardized approach and process control for converting powdered metals into complex finished 3D geometries yields high quality repeatable production microstructures for both our PureForm and MIM technologies, exceeding MPIF-35 material property standards.
Our low-volume production and prototype PureForm platform offering, seeks to create the following advantages and solutions for our customers:
- A seamless prototype to production path with metal 3D printing or MIM, depending on production volume requirements.
- Long-term metal 3D printing production supply continuity – we own and continuously advance our IP on the PureForm platform from end-to-end.
- Provides MIM-like mechanical properties, surface finishes and feature resolution that exceed the capabilities of other metal additive manufacturing technologies: exceeds MPIF-35 standards.
- Fills the gap between production CNC and MIM at annual volumes between 1,000 to 10,000.
- Time to market is reduced to weeks instead of months, as parts are quickly produced through printing, by passing the time-consuming process of mold construction.
- Provides flexibility for design iterations during the new product launch process for components targeted for MIM without the need for engineering changes to the mold.
- Can quickly launch to production with PureForm while the MIM mold and process are being developed for high volume future ramp-up.
- Provides options for the same post sinter secondary value-added processes as with MIM and CNC at GGI, e.g., plastic over molding, machining, grinding, brazing, welding, crimping, assembly, etc.
- Opens design freedoms and unexplored market opportunities/solutions for metal 3D printed production component geometries.
- Creates opportunities to provide surgeons with customized make-to-order instrument solutions to address very specialized cases in the ongoing quest of improving patient outcomes.
If any of these advantages speak to you on a current or future application, please feel free to reach out to us today and learn more about how our PureForm platform and portfolio of leading-edge metal forming and finishing capabilities can bring your project to life.
Learn more about Greene Group Industries here.
