MIM - In a Vehicle Near You, Now or Very Soon

90 Degree Insert

The new functions and features are possible due to precise, high pressure hydraulic systems available from American and European automobile and truck manufacturers. Stainless steel MIM Inserts are a critical component of the systems manufactured by leaders of high pressure hydraulic assemblies for truck and car manufacturers.

Advanced Forming Technologies

A world-class hydraulic systems manufacturer performed a world-wide search for the best MIM Company. At the conclusion of their evaluation, Advanced Forming Technology (AFT) was selected to be their global supplier for 316 stainless steel Inserts required for their "90-Degree" high pressure line connections.

The 90-Degree Insert manufactured by AFT's MIM process offered the customer the following advantages:

• Significant cost savings
• Dual manufacturing capability from AFT plants in the U.S. and Europe
• A MIM process with high "Statistical Capability"
• A detailed and Certified Quality System (ISO 9001, QS 9000, TS 16949).
• Solid coverage by AFT's sales representatives in the field (U.S. and Europe)
• Demonstrated superior 316 Stainless Steel physical and chemical properties

The Challenge

The issues surrounding the 316 stainless steel are significant. The inserts manufactured in a MIM process prior to AFT had issues that led to chemistry, dimensional control, and statistical capability problems.

Manufacture of hydraulic line assemblies had the potential to be adversely affected by out of tolerance components or poor metallurgical strength during the crimping process, which is very important.

The Inserts must pass pressure burst tests up to 700 Bar (10,150 psi). The hydraulic lines with the installed Inserts must pass pressure tests up to 225 Bar (3,260 psi) and thermal cycling from minus 40 degree Celsius to 100 degree Celsius with pressure spikes during cycling.

Global Supplier

AFT was selected to provide millions of the Inserts annually to locations in the U.S. and Europe. According to AFT Sr. Product Group Sales Manager for global automotive sales, Chris Rista, "The deal was concluded not only because AFT demonstrated our mastery of the MIM process, but did so while providing the customer significant initial cost savings and an option for manufacture of the parts from our U.S. and Hungary plants."

If you have an automotive project, see how MIM can work in your application. Contact the professionals at AFT in the U.S. at 303-833-6130, at AFTE in Hungary at +36 35 551 002.