Metal Injection Molded Ammunition Projectiles for Uniformity
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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, lacking uniformity and consistency in manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of metal injection molded projectiles and cartridges using a variety of metals and alloys, including stainless steel, ceramic alloys, and tungsten, with features such as cannelures and various nose and base configurations, to create a consistent and efficient ammunition system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods (machining, casting, molding) are used to produce projectiles, then manufacturing flexibility is limited, but production time is lengthy and consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies metal injection molding (MIM) technology to manufacture projectiles, fundamentally changing the manufacturing process parameters from conventional machining and casting. This enables production of complex-shaped projectiles with high dimensional accuracy and superior surface finish, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing efficiency and projectile uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material formulations consisting of metal powders mixed with organic binders to create feedstock for injection molding. This composite approach enables the manufacturing of projectiles from various materials (brass, bronze, copper, steel, stainless steel, lead-free alloys) while achieving consistent properties through controlled processing parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If material selection is restricted to traditional options, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but projectile performance and variety are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal metal injection molding process that can manufacture projectiles from diverse materials including brass, bronze, copper, steel, stainless steel, and lead-free alloys. This single manufacturing method replaces multiple specialized processes, enabling material versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies material parameters by using metal powders in controlled compositions with organic binders, allowing the same injection molding process to accommodate various material types and properties, thus achieving adaptability without requiring fundamentally different manufacturing approaches for each material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides ammunition having a metal injection molded projectile and a metal cartridge case comprising a metal ammunition cartridge comprising a unitary body that enclose a propellant chamber, a primer recess in a bottom portion of the unitary body, a primer flash hole that connects the primer recess and the propellant chamber, and a projectile aperture in communication with the propellant chamber; 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.