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Smith Metal Products Receives Federal Firearms License (FFL) For Performing Sub-Contracting Services Using MIM Molding Capabilities In Production Of Military, Defense And Firearm Components.

Smith Metal Products has announced it has received the Federal Firearms License (FFL) and adds to its other accreditations that include ISO 13485, ITAR and ISO 9001:2015. This reinforces our quality commitment to producing components with unbeatable levels of precision, strength, and durability, at competitive prices” stated Jim Beyer, Sales Manager at Smith Metal Products.


Smith Metal Products advanced “bridge to MIM” molded parts capability is supported by 3D Binder Jet Metal Printing capability and is designed to help with customer’s research and development efforts. This capability is especially desirable for reducing time-to-market developmental programs. It provides form, fit, function and feasibility testing before mass production. In addition to not requiring time-consuming and expensive mold building to evaluate MIM parts, this capability can eliminate and/or significantly shorten lead time from R&D into full volume production. Quick-turn short runs are also available.


Often-times components that require an FFL by the manufacturer also need to be made from High Performance and expensive materials like Titanium and Inconel. Smith already has experience processing some of these materials and is also willing to develop processes for other high-performance materials as needed. Sometimes MIM parts out of these expensive materials for extensively hollowed out parts can be provided at “near-net shape” for less than the raw bar stock needed for machining parts prior to performing any machining.


The company operates the latest 3D Binder Jet Metal printing, electric molding machines, continuous and batch debind and sintering furnaces, catalytic debinding systems, 5-axis CNC machining and lathe centers, ceramic kilns, coining, laser etching/engraving and inspection lab. Smith also provides rapid prototyping and a complete array of value-added services including plating, laser welding, heat treatment, surface finishing and polishing, assembly, final pack out and more. Design for Manufacturability assistance is a core belief and is a free service at Smith. The company manages single and multi-cavity, hot runner and unscrewing mold design and builds at local domestic tool shops near the facility.


Smith Metal Products is 100% Employee owned (ESOP) and operates a state-of-the-art 65,000 square foot facility, that is ITAR, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485 certified and holds FFL license. The company’s-controlled documentation system assures customers of consistent set-up and repeatability on every production run.


Request a quote, Part Evaluation, or call us today at 651-257-3143.


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We updated our landscaping in the front of the building, making it more inviting for both employees and guests.


We know the snow will be falling sooner than we want it to, but we will be ready for spring when it comes around again.

by Ashley Paulson 26 December 2024
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by Ashley Paulson 23 December 2024
Merry Christmas to those that celebrate. Smith Metal Products is closed tomorrow, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will return to the office on Thursday, December 26, ready to collaborate with you. Hopefully, you get some time to relax and spend time with friends and family. Happy Holidays!
by Ashley Paulson 16 December 2024
The answer is yes and no. Yes, metal can be used in injection molding, but not by itself. In order to get the powdered metal to take the shape of the mold and hold the shape, about 20% of plastic is added to approximately 80% powdered metal. These pellets are called feedstock and they are melted and pushed into the mold. After this point, the part is not complete like it may be with plastic injection molding. The metal part needs to go through the debinding process in order to remove all of the plastic. You cannot leave the part alone after debinding, because it is very fragile and you can think of it like a sandcastle like structure. Then the metal parts go through the sintering process to strengthen the part and remove the holes that were left behind by the plastic. We most commonly use stainless steel powder. Titanium is another metal that we commonly work with. There are some metals that are not compatible with our process. We do not use aluminum, zinc, brass, magnesium or copper in the metal injection molding process. If you want to learn more about the whole process, see the "What is MIM?" section of our website.
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