Metal Injection Molded Ammunition Projectile with Polymer Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing ammunition projectiles are limited by the materials that can be used and are time-consuming, restricting the uniformity and efficiency of projectile manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The development of a metal injection molded projectile with a polymer cartridge case, where the projectile can be made from various metals and alloys, and the cartridge case is composed of polymer materials, allowing for a wide range of calibers and configurations, including stainless steel, ceramic alloys, and tungsten, with a polymer ammunition cartridge comprising a bottom and top portion that enclose a propellant chamber, and a metal injection molded projectile frictionally fitted into the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods (machining, casting, molding) are used to produce projectiles, then material selection is limited and manufacturing time is lengthy, but these methods are well-established and produce consistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies metal injection molding (MIM) technology to transform the manufacturing process parameters, enabling the production of projectiles from diverse materials including stainless steel, ceramic alloys, and tungsten. This parameter change in the manufacturing method allows for expanded material selection while simultaneously reducing production time compared to conventional machining and casting methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes composite material feedstocks for injection molding, where metal powders are combined with binders to create a moldable composite that can be injected into complex projectile shapes. This approach enables the use of various metal compositions and alloys that would be difficult or time-consuming to process using traditional methods
2Productivity
If metal injection molding is used to produce projectiles, then production efficiency and uniformity are improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal injection molding process incorporates preliminary actions by pre-mixing metal powders with binders to create a feedstock that is ready for injection. The process also includes preliminary drying and debinding steps before sintering, which streamline the overall manufacturing workflow and improve production efficiency despite the added process steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention manages process complexity through controlled parameter changes in the injection molding process, including temperature, pressure, and material composition ratios. These parameter controls enable consistent projectile production with improved uniformity while maintaining manageable process complexity through standardized manufacturing parameters
3Manufacturing precision
If metal injection molding is used, then projectile uniformity and consistency are improved, but the process requires multiple steps (molding, drying, debinding, sintering)
Solution Approach 1:
The metal injection molding process is segmented into distinct stages: molding, drying, debinding, and sintering. Each stage is optimized independently to ensure projectile uniformity and consistency, with controlled parameters at each step contributing to the overall precision and quality of the final product
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuity of useful action throughout the manufacturing process by ensuring each process step seamlessly transitions to the next. The molded green parts are continuously processed through drying, debinding, and sintering without interruption, maintaining dimensional stability and uniformity throughout the transformation from feedstock to finished projectile
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the production of ammunition with improved uniformity and efficiency, allowing for consistent ballistic performance across various calibers and configurations, enhancing the manufacturing process by utilizing a wide range of materials and reducing production time.
Implementation Method 1
a metal injection molded projectile frictionally fitted into the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an ammunition having a metal injection molded projectile and a polymer cartridge case comprising a polymer ammunition cartridge comprising a bottom portion and a top portion that enclose a propellant chamber, wherein the bottom portion comprises a primer recess in communication with a primer flash hole that extends into a propellant chamber and the top portion comprises a projectile aperture; a primer inserted into the primer flash hole aperture; a propellant at least partially filling the propellant chamber; and a metal injection molded projectile frictionally fitted in the projectile aperture, wherein the metal injection molded projectile comprises a nose extending essentially symmetrically to a shoulder, and an essentially cylindrical bearing surface extending from the shoulder to a base.