Himed LLC, a biomaterials firm specializing in titanium floor remedies, has printed new findings evaluating abrasive blasting strategies for post-processing 3D printed medical implants. The corporate evaluated aluminum oxide, glass bead, and apatitic abrasives on 3D printed Ti64 spinal spacers, assessing every methodology’s potential to take away residual construct materials whereas preserving a biocompatible floor. Solely the apatitic abrasive, a calcium phosphate-based medium, left behind a clear titanium floor after ASTM F86 passivation.
Additively manufactured titanium implants steadily retain loosely sure spherical particles on each exterior and inner surfaces. These residual beads, which consequence from the 3D printing course of, are seen below scanning electron microscopy and may stay lodged in porous lattice constructions. If left untreated, they pose a threat of detachment throughout packaging or after implantation. Floor ending is due to this fact required to get rid of this particles whereas preserving implant geometry and optimizing the floor for osseointegration.
SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) evaluation carried out by Himed revealed that each aluminum oxide and glass bead blasting take away residual titanium beads however introduce new contaminants. As a result of its excessive hardness ranking of 9 on the Mohs scale, aluminum oxide embeds into the titanium floor throughout software. These abrasive remnants can’t be eliminated utilizing ultrasonic cleansing or acid baths. Glass bead blasting, whereas much less aggressive, additionally leads to silica-based particulates embedded within the implant floor. EDX spectra confirmed that each strategies alter the floor composition of titanium implants, elevating considerations about long-term organic compatibility.
A 2019 literature evaluation printed in JMIR Biomedical Engineering famous that implant floor roughness performs a major function in bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and mechanical fixation. Strategies reminiscent of grit blasting and acid etching have been proven to enhance osseointegration by creating micro- and nanoscale textures that encourage osteoblast exercise. Nevertheless, the evaluation additionally emphasised that inconsistencies in floor chemistry—reminiscent of these launched by embedded blasting media—might compromise outcomes. Biocompatible supplies like calcium phosphates have been recognized as favorable for floor modification on account of their resorbability and osteoconductive properties.
Himed’s apatitic abrasive, marketed as MATRIX MCD, consists of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate. Designed to be totally soluble, it leaves no hint residue after passivation. Initially developed to be used on dental implants previous to hydroxyapatite coating, the abrasive is now utilized to 3D printed orthopedic parts. Out there in particle sizes right down to
Changes to particle measurement, blast strain, and period enable management over the ensuing floor roughness, which ranged between 1.0 and three.2 μm Ra within the examine. This roughness vary aligns with printed targets for selling cell adhesion and tissue integration. In contrast to more durable abrasives, the calcium phosphate formulation refines the floor with out altering the implant’s geometry or vital tolerances. Put up-processing with MATRIX MCD preserved the unique design options whereas eliminating bead residue and avoiding secondary contamination, in response to EDX scans.
Himed has spent three many years refining the manufacturing and software of MCD apatitic abrasives throughout dental and orthopedic markets. With the elevated use of lattice-based designs in 3D printed implants, the flexibility to take away construct residue with out compromising biocompatibility or floor purity is turning into a vital requirement for medical gadget producers.
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Featured picture showcase SEM imagery of a 3d printed Ti64 spinal spacer following abrasive blasting with aluminum oxide grit. Picture by way of Himed, LLC.
