Croom Medical, a pacesetter in precision manufacturing for orthopedic implants primarily based in Eire, has formally launched TALOS, an revolutionary know-how platform developed in collaboration with International Superior Metals (GAM). Primarily based on Croom Medical’s earlier expertise, TALOS is particularly designed for 3D printing tantalum elements throughout various industries, together with medical functions, utilizing superior laser-powder-bed fusion, setting a brand new normal within the trade.
Tantalum is famend for its distinctive biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and excessive normalised fatigue energy, making it preferrred for medical implants. Nonetheless, its processing challenges have traditionally restricted its widespread use. The TALOS platform overcomes these obstacles, enabling the manufacturing of advanced, porous, sturdy and light-weight tantalum constructions for medical system and industrial functions.
Dr. Shane Keaveney, R&D Supervisor at Croom Medical, highlighted the importance of this development. “Tantalum has lengthy been valued for its excellent biointegration, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. With TALOS, we unlock these intrinsic qualities, permitting exact management over implant ductility and energy to match native bone carefully.”
TALOS is now commercially out there via Croom Medical’s contract manufacturing companies, supporting buyer initiatives from prototype to quantity manufacturing. Exact management over tantalum printing parameters and mobile lattice construction design permits engineers to tailor implant ductility, elastic modulus and energy to match native bone. TALOS achieves densities as much as 99.99% and delivers extremely open porous constructions preferrred for medical system functions. Moreover, AM-optimised tantalum achieves over 40% elongation, reduces fracture threat, and permits advanced, versatile designs.
A standout characteristic of TALOS is its skill to instantly print tantalum onto titanium substrates, merging titanium’s decrease density with tantalum’s osteoconductive prowess. This hybrid method holds the potential for implants with enhanced bone fixation, representing a major step in lowering the necessity for revision surgical procedures.
Sustainability is a core side of the TALOS platform. It makes use of ethically sourced, conflict-free tantalum powder equipped by GAM, supporting a closed-loop recycling course of. “After 3D printing, leftover powder from Croom Medical is returned to GAM, which undergoes rigorous refining and reprocessing earlier than re-entering the manufacturing cycle. This method maximises materials effectivity and ensures a safe, constant provide of tantalum”, defined Dr Gordon C. Smith, GAM’s CTO.
Past medical functions, TALOS provides vital benefits for the commercial and power sectors. Its skill to craft advanced near-net form elements incorporating superior design options reminiscent of managed porosity zones, mobile lattices, floor textures, and inside cooling or mixing channels, unlocks efficiencies in demanding functions in energy technology, chemical processing, and high-temperature operations.
Dr. Keaveney concluded, “The launch of TALOS positions us on the forefront of medical innovation, reinforcing our dedication to steady innovation and superior affected person care.”
