MPIF Recognizes Orthodontic Appliances for contributions to MIM.

Press Release Summary:



As announced at PowderMet2013, Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) recognized orthodontic appliances as Powder Metallurgy (PM) Landmark technology for its innovative use and contributions to development and adoption of metal injection molding (MIM) technology in medical device marketplace. Innovative designs have led to a great many orthodontic appliances having effective geometries and performance characteristics, while cost-effectiveness expanded use and availability.



Original Press Release:



PM Industry Recognizes Orthodontic Appliances for Groundbreaking Contributions to Development of MIM Technology



The Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) has recognized orthodontic appliances as a Powder Metallurgy (PM) Landmark technology for its innovative use and contributions to the development and adoption of metal injection molding (MIM) technology in the medical device marketplace. The recognition was announced at PowderMet2013, the 2013 International Conference on Powder Metallurgy & Particulate Materials, recently held in Chicago, Illinois.



Innovative designs have led to a great many orthodontic appliances having effective geometries and performance characteristics, while the cost effectiveness of this sustainable, high-value process greatly expanded the use and availability of such dental treatments to a broader segment of the population. Over the years, MPIF’s Design Excellence Awards Competition has awarded prizes to various entries.



MIM technology development began in the early 1970s. Originally dubbed the “Weich process,” for the widely regarded inventor of the process, Raymond E. Weich, the orthodontics field became an early adopter of the technology, designing and manufacturing components either at custom MIM fabricator firms or widely known orthodontic supply firms, such as Zulauf Inc., Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Unitek, and American Orthodontics.



The rapid growth and market penetration of the use of MIM in the field of orthodontic appliances has thus received the Industry Landmark Recognition as a major product that advanced and supported the widespread advancement and development of the MIM process and use of MIM materials.



Complete details and video of this Landmark Recognition can be viewed at: http://www.mpif.org/AboutMPIF/PM_landmark.asp?linkid=123

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