Case Study: PTI Tech achieves rapid MIM prototyping and six-figure cost savings with Markforged Metal Binder Jetting

Accelerating MIM Prototyping with Metal Binder Jetting

PTI Tech, a global contract manufacturer specializing in engineered polymers and metal injection molding (MIM), was tasked by an elevator OEM to redesign stainless-steel button caps and bodies as a durable all‑metal 316L assembly after plastic threads were cracking from disinfectants. Needing production-representative prototypes that matched MIM processing and properties for design validation and fast retrofit deployment, PTI Tech turned to Markforged and its Metal Binder Jetting technology to accelerate the prototyping cycle.

Using Markforged Metal Binder Jetting, PTI Tech produced multiple rounds of 275–300 pre‑production parts in just four weeks—without tooling—delivering parts with shrinkage, density, and surface finish comparable to MIM and thin, flexible retaining tabs that passed functional and destructive testing. The rapid, tooling‑free iterations let the customer finalize the design, order MIM tooling with confidence, and avoided up to 16 weeks of tool development; PTI Tech estimates the approach saved over six figures and several months in development time.

PTI Tech

Gaetano Mariella

Chief Technology Officer