APP Wins Award of Distinction in the Aerospace/Military/Firearms Category for MIM

Philipsburg, PA July 8, 2022 - Metal injection molding (MIM, for short) is a manufacturing process that combines the most useful characteristics of powdered metallurgy and plastic injection molding to facilitate the repeatable production of small, complex-shaped metal components with outstanding mechanical properties. At Advanced Powder Products (APP), our proprietary technology platform, guides our customers from concept to mass production saving them time and money while maximizing the performance of their designs.

APP has recently demonstrated how technologies like Metal Injection Molding (MIM) are driving continuous improvement and innovation this year in the 2022 Powder Metallurgy Design Excellence Awards Competition, sponsored by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF). In the Aerospace/Military/Firearms Category for MIM components, an Award of Distinction was awarded to Advanced Powder Products Inc., for a one-piece slide release for a firearm. The part is made from an air quenched and tempered S7 tool steel. The part was originally designed for stamping, but the complex geometry was too much of a challenge.

  • Material: S7 Tool Steel
  • Density: 7.3g/cc
  • Heat-treated Hardness 47-51 HRC
  • Finish: Black Oxide

MPIF has sponsored the PM Design Excellence competition since 1965. The competition invites powder metallurgy manufacturers to submit components that showcase the advantages and test the possibilities of the metal forming technologies. Fabricators may enter eight categories, including Aerospace/Military/Firearms, Automotive, Medical/Dental, and Hand Tool/Recreation. A panel of industry experts evaluates each component using a set of strict criteria. Grand Prizes and Awards of Distinction are presented in each category to those parts that prove superior.