Orthodontic Dental Brackets: Past Developments and Future Perspectives
S.K. Tam, Powder Matrix Forming Technologies LLC
Orthodontic dental brackets have undergone significant evolution since their introduction, reflecting advances in materials science, biomechanics, and digital technology. Early orthodontic brackets were primarily fabricated from investment casting, spin casting or machining using precious metals and stainless steel, emphasizing durability and mechanical strength but offering limited esthetic appeal, customization and patient comfort.
In recent decades, the integration of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), metal injection molding (MIM), and surface-engineered materials has transformed bracket design. With increasing patient demand for improved esthetics, (CIM) ceramic dental brackets were introduced in the late twentieth century. Fabricated mainly from alumina-based materials, ceramic brackets offered superior translucency and color stability compared to metal brackets, making them particularly attractive for adult orthodontic patients.
Design Optimization Through Lithography-based Metal Manufacturing Supporting MIM Applications
Dr. Gyoergy Harakaly, Incus GmbH
Lithography-based Metal Manufacturing (LMM) is a sinter-based additive manufacturing technology that shares key process steps with Metal Injection Molding (MIM), namely debinding and sintering. This similarity arises because both technologies start with a composite of metal powder and a binder system, which defines the shape of the part prior to sintering. As a result, LMM can leverage the metallurgical understanding, material systems, and post-processing strategies developed for MIM, while offering the design flexibility and complexity benefits inherent to additive manufacturing. This commonality makes LMM a natural complement to MIM, while also unlocking unique advantages for part design and production. LMM enables the fabrication of filigree components with surface roughness below 2 Ra, approaching the quality of MIM. By removing the need for mold fabrication, LMM offers significant cost savings in prototyping and design iteration, and extends its value proposition to cost-effective small- and mid-scale production. Furthermore, LMM provides access to design features and geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with MIM, broadening the scope of applications. This presentation highlights design strategies tailored for LMM and presents case studies where LMM-enabled designs have successfully transitioned to production scale.
Using AI in Feedstock Development
William Thorne, BASF
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the production of Metal Injection Molding (MIM) feedstocks offers a transformative approach to traditional manufacturing challenges, primarily by significantly enhancing product quality and process consistency. Traditional quality control methods often rely on manual data analysis, which is slow, prone to error, and inadequate for handling the massive datasets generated during modern production systems. AI tools, such as the Sonata platform, leverage advanced machine learning and data analytics to process and interpret this extensive data in real-time, enabling proactive quality management and defect detection. This data-driven approach facilitates rapid and accurate root cause analysis and the implementation of corrective actions, drastically reducing resolution times from months to mere days. By optimizing production workflows and providing near-instant access to actionable insights, AI not only minimizes waste and operational costs but also elevates overall product reliability and efficiency, providing a sustainable advantage in the manufacturing industry. This presentation explores the application and benefits of AI-driven quality control in MIM feedstock production, highlighting how intelligent systems are redefining quality assurance and operational performance.
Interpreting AMS 2750 Beyond Vacuum Processing: A Furnace Manufacturer’s Perspective
Stefan Joens, Elnik Sytems, LLC
AMS 2750 is widely referenced as the benchmark for temperature uniformity and instrumentation control in thermal processing, yet its structure and assumptions are rooted in vacuum heat treating applications. In industries such as metal injection molding, where batch and continuous furnaces operating in controlled atmospheres are predominant, direct application of the standard can create ambiguity. This presentation offers a furnace manufacturer’s interpretation of AMS 2750 as it relates to non-vacuum processing. The discussion focuses on intent versus prescription within the standard, practical approaches to temperature measurement, and how uniformity expectations can be responsibly aligned with process reality while maintaining quality and compliance.
Study of Corrosion on Additive-Manufactured Metals
Braydan Daniels, University of Louisville
The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the corrosion mechanisms between wrought and additive-manufactured (3D-printed) copper and stainless steel. The experimental procedure applied open circuit potentiometry (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), Tafel analysis, surface topology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze each metal sample within saltwater, tap water, sulfuric acid, and synthetic body fluid (excluding copper in synthetic body fluid).
Overall, printed stainless steel was more corrosion-resistant than wrought stainless steel in tap water and synthetic body fluid based on OCP, LSV, and surface topology results. Additionally, printed copper was more corrosion-resistant than wrought copper in tap water and 0.5 M sulfuric acid. Thus, printed metals seem to resist corrosion more than their wrought counterpart in tap water.
Based on EIS results of stainless steel, printed stainless steel was found to be more corrosion-resistant than wrought stainless steel in only synthetic body fluid. Although kinetic data showed that printed stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant than wrought in tap water, both corroded at similar rates, so this conclusion can be overlooked. On average, printed and wrought 17-4PH stainless steel corroded the fastest in 0.5 M sulfuric acid, followed by synthetic body fluid, then salt water, and finally tap water. Stainless steel exhibited pitting corrosion in salt water and synthetic body fluid while it experienced uniform (and partial uniform) corrosion in tap water and sulfuric acid.
Based on EIS results of copper, printed copper was more corrosion-resistant than wrought copper in tap water. Although kinetic data showed that printed copper was more corrosion-resistant than wrought copper in salt water and sulfuric acid, both corroded at similar rates for both cases. Therefore, this conclusion can also be neglected. Printed and wrought copper corroded the fastest in 0.5 M sulfuric acid, followed by salt water, then tap water. Copper exhibited uniform (and partial uniform) corrosion in tap water, salt water and 0.5 M sulfuric acid.
Uniformity of Shrinkage in MIM Components
Matt Bulger, ATPM Consulting
There is considerable shrinkage from molding through sinter in the MIM process. If shrinkage is not uniform, then dimensional control issues arise because it will be impossible for all dimensions to be centered on their desired nominal value. Shrink uniformity is discussed for different geometries, including the effect of different processing conditions on dimensional control.
Pragmatic Use of Macro Thermal Gravimetric Studies to Understand the Debinding Process
Stefan Joens, Elnik Systems, LLC
MIM (Metal Injection Molding) and SBAM (Sinter-Based Additive Manufacturing) rely on the use of a temporary binder to produce useful shapes from powder. The debinding process is complex as there are numerous factors that influence and control debinding, for example, binder components and composition, debinding atmosphere, powder size and distribution and loading factor, and even the powder alloy and interactions with the binder. In addition, there are multiple mechanisms controlling the kinetics of debinding. Modelling of these individual mechanisms have been met with some success but it is not possible to predict debinding behavior from first principles. Rather, a phenomenological approach is to use TGA (Thermal Gravimetric Analysis) to measure the weight loss during heating under various conditions and material parameters. In this study, a macro TGA is used that can be process samples up to 65 grams, allowing the examination of debinding characteristics on the scale of actual parts. This information can be used to understand and optimize the debinding operation.
Micropowders for MIM and Metal AM
John Johnson, FAPMI, Novamet Specialty Products
Components with features measured in micrometers can be produced by metal injection molding (MIM), but powders with particle sizes significantly smaller than the microfeatures are required. Metal powders with mean particle sizes less than 5 µm can be produced by various processes including hydrogen reduction, hydride/dehydride, carbonyl decomposition, and gas atomization. The typical compositions, sizes, and other characteristics that can be produced by these methods are reviewed. Finer particles increase feedstock viscosity, but it also depends on the particle morphology, which is related to the powder production method. High feedstock viscosity and small part features present challenges for molding and tool construction. Microparts can be produced without tooling via metal additive manufacturing methods such as material extrusion (MEX) and vat photopolymerization (VPP), and their ability to produce them will be compared to that of MIM.
Development of Dual-Color Ceramic Molding Technology
Tomotaka Shimoyama, Tosoh Corporation
Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is extensively utilized in structural components, optical fiber ferrules, and grinding media, owing to its superior mechanical strength and fracture toughness. Recently, its translucent white appearance has facilitated its adoption as a dental material.
Concurrently, the demand for YSZ in horological components and jewelry, which leverages its high surface gloss and premium tactile quality post-mirror polishing, has been increasing. For decorative applications, there is a pronounced requirement for diverse chromatic variations, and we have already developed sintered colored zirconia ceramics with a broad spectrum of hues.
Typically, the aesthetic value of colored zirconia decorative components is manifested through morphological design and chromatic selection, although the latter has traditionally been restricted to monolithic coloration. To generate novel aesthetic and functional properties, we have focused on dual-color (multicolor) co-molding technology.
Through comprehensive optimization of the raw powder formulation for both ceramic phases and advancements in sintering protocols, we have established a robust dual-color co-molding technology for colored zirconia ceramics.
This presentation will introduce the newly developed dual-color co-molding technology for colored zirconia ceramics.
Choosing the Right Machine Vision Strategy for Industrial Success
Ahmed Tawfik, EZ Automation Systems LLC
Machine vision is often misunderstood as either “magic” or “trivial.” In reality, it is an engineered discipline built on tradeoffs, data, and structured decision-making. As manufacturers push for higher productivity, lower defect escape rates, and stronger profitability, selecting the right inspection technology has never been more critical.
This session demystifies modern machine vision by framing it as a toolbox—not a single solution. We will explore the spectrum of inspection approaches, from rules-based expert systems and classical vision tools to deep learning and emerging Vision-Language Models (VLMs). Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how each technology works, where it excels, where it fails, and how hybrid architectures often deliver the most robust industrial performance.
Through practical examples and deployment considerations, we will examine the four-step machine vision pipeline, data requirements, precision tradeoffs, and real-world limitations. The session concludes with a structured framework for choosing the right approach based on product variability, defect definition, data availability, precision requirements, and explainability needs.
Participants will leave equipped to assess feasibility early, reduce risk in technology selection, and design inspection systems that evolve with their manufacturing processes.
Conversion of a Large Revolver Frame from Investment Casting to Metal Injection Molding
Fabio Cunha, Taurus
This case study describes the successful conversion of a large firearm component—a single-action revolver frame—from investment casting to Metal Injection Molding (MIM). The green part weighs over 300 grams, making it one of the largest MIM applications in the firearms industry. The transition aimed to reduce scrap rates and minimize extensive secondary operations such as machining, sanding, and polishing, while maintaining equivalent mechanical performance and overall resistance. By adopting MIM technology, we achieved significant improvements in dimensional accuracy and surface finish, resulting in reduced labor and material waste.
Key challenges addressed included managing part complexity, ensuring dimensional stability, and achieving structural integrity at this scale. Comparative analysis between investment casting and MIM demonstrated notable cost savings, improved process efficiency, and enhanced product quality.
This work highlights the feasibility of producing large, high-performance components via MIM, expanding the boundaries of powder metallurgy and offering a compelling alternative to traditional casting methods for complex, high-value parts.
Optimizing Part Design for MIM
Matt Bulger, ATPM Consulting
This presentation provides a practical approach to designing MIM components incorporating design guidelines, which can help in managing customer expectations and interfacing with tool makers to develop realistic and cost-effective solutions.