Award: Award of Distinction
Year: 2004
Category: Metal Injection Molding
Market Segment: Medical

Description:
The award was given to a lower jaw used in a medical suturing device. The complex shape is made from a 17-4 PH stainless steel. The lower jaw is a critical component in suturing that places uniform stitches to a torn rotator cuff, allowing independent grasping and suturing with one hand. The part is made to a density of 7.7 g/cm³ and has a typical tensile strength of 130,000 psi and a typical yield strength of 106,000 psi. Secondary operations include reaming three holes, coining, and sizing.