Metal Injection Molding Stars in Eurofighter Engines

July 23, 2008

Metal injection molded components are used in the Eurofighter Typhoon as part of a strategy to reduce costs without compromising performance. A validation study on MIM was conducted by Pratt & Whiney and MTU Aero Engines of Germany with promising results. MIM components will be used in the EJ200 engine in the Eurofighter.. Blades and vanes in the turbine have usually been cast but MTU says the new MIM vanes combine the cost advantage of cast metal with the strength of forged metal. The MIM parts achieve 95% of the strength of forged parts. The power of the engine makes it a key combat aircraft for NATO forces,

Posted by Doug Smock on July 23, 2008 | Comments (3)

October 24, 2008

In response to: Metal Injection Molding Stars in Eurofighter Engines
Rand German commented:

Well the information is too little to give a complete response, but the

part sounds on the \”large side\”. Most MIM parts average 10 g and a maximum

dimension of 25 mm with about 3 mm wall thickness (you did not mention

this). I suspect this is a better candidate for casting and machining simply

because of the size. Remember the molding machine size grows rapidly as the

component diameter, length, and other dimensions grow. I personally have

used low pressure MIM to go up to 17 kg range, but it was a very limited

production quantity situation (bronze filter for paper forming equipment).

Other firms have demonstrated large parts, and I have one in my office from

Injectamax (Escondido, California) that is 255 mm long, but less than 5 mm

wall thickness.

October 14, 2008

In response to: Metal Injection Molding Stars in Eurofighter Engines
Jeffery Groenke commented:

I have a steel part that is made by forming, then secondary NC machining and then secondary water jet machining. I am wondering if MIM makes sense but am concerned it is too large. It is round, approximately 100mm in diameter and 40mm high. Can MIM do a part this large?

Jeffery Groenke

jgroenke@harman.com

July 29, 2008

In response to: Metal Injection Molding Stars in Eurofighter Engines
David Smith commented:

Advanced Forming Technology is the worldwide leader in Metal Injection Molding.

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