Small Precision Tools
Production of High-Precision Micro Ceramics with Consistency

As technology packaging continues to become smaller over time, it drives the miniaturization of individual components to support those devices. In the medical industry, device companies are exploring the feasibility of miniaturizing life-saving implantable devices and surgical intervention methods to gain greater access with fewer complications. In consumer products, smaller mechanical, optical, and electronic devices require a continued reduction in the individual components and tools for manufacturing. Many of these applications utilize the natural properties of ceramic materials to achieve optimal performance and to extend the lifetime of the device.

Small Precision Tools (SPT) uses advanced micro Ceramic Injection Molding (CIM), allowing more freedom of design to support a customer’s unique design requirements for the next generation of innovative technologies. The CIM process can efficiently manufacture highly complex, customized, small precision parts made from materials that would be difficult and expensive to produce using conventional methods. The process also ensures reliability and repeatability from batch to batch, so customers can expect a high level of consistency across the lifetime of the project.

Companies can collaborate with SPT to communicate their product’s design and specifications. After working with the customer to ensure the part includes the best design for manufacturing practices, SPT manages all eight custom steps of the injection molding process in-house. The process starts with preparing a unique ceramic feedstock which is then used to make the part through injection molding. The next step is densification of the material through debinding, sintering, and sometimes hot isostatic pressing, which ultimately results in the extreme hardness of the final product. Secondary processing can be added when needed to further refine the part.

The part is then completed in SPT’s final inspection, which employs cutting-edge measuring technology to ensure that the manufactured parts meet the technical specifications.

SPT has perfected the art of sophisticated CIM processes, enabling maximum efficiency that translates to immense benefits for its clients, courtesy of over four decades of experience in the field. As part of the design stage, a suitable material is selected based on the application and geometry of the part and to ensure best fit for successful manufacturing through the entire ceramic process cycle. The powder mix is combined with special binders and additives under closely supervised conditions to create a suitable combination for injection molding. SPT meticulously records the properties of the final raw material as a part of batch tracing and quality control. “Using the CIM process allows near-net shaping of a part and reduces the need for secondary grinding and lapping operations while offering a repeatable result and consistent quality,” says Brandy LeBlanc, Director of Sales at Small Precision Tools.

The success of the molding process is highly dependent on the mold design and the parameters controlled during the molding process. SPT performs molding feasibility studies for each unique project and then designs and produces a custom mold in-house. The mold will form the geometry as close as possible to the final requirements of the part, or near-net, reducing costly post processing operations.

“SPT is more than a supplier; we are business partners for our clients, and they have embraced us as a one-stop source that solves all their needs to acquire high-precision components,” says Pierette Glutz, Managing Director of SPT.

Having a global presence with sites worldwide, Small Precision Tools is an engineering and manufacturing company that has been a dependable supplier to large-scale businesses and multinational companies for many years. The expertise in the CIM process and spirit of partnership has guaranteed a sense of satisfaction in its service, earning SPT the title of industry leader in the field of ceramics. The company also aims to help its customers fulfill their demand in manufacturing high-quality and precision components to push the limits of innovation to create micro technologies that can help humanity.