Micro-metal injection molded titanium forms ear stirrup bone.(Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research)(researchers use micro-injection molding for production of Cochlear implants)(Brief article)

Advanced Materials & Processes, July, 2007

The stirrup, a small bone in the human ear, can be accurately replicated by means of micro-injection molding, say researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research IFAM in Bremen, Germany. With micro-metal powder injection molding (micro-MIM), the scientists are able to combine and shape different types of material.

It has been possible for a long time to produce tiny parts from stainless steel. Now the researchers are in a position to make such small, delicate components out of biocompatible materials such as titanium and titanium alloys. In a pilot series, the researchers manufactured 300 miniature parts with a weight of 5.4 mg each and a wall thickness of 0.3 mm. To make the parts, fine metal powder is mixed...

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