Method of manufacturing a hinge assembly utilizing a metal injection molding process and a die

摘要

A THIXOMOLDING™ process and a die are utilized to fabricate a hinge assembly for moving a step on a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. The hinge assembly includes a rail bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle and including inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. A step bracket includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. The step is fixedly secured to the step bracket. An inner arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the inner arm and are pivotally disposed in the inner bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively. An outer arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the outer arm and are pivotally disposed in the outer bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively.