Medical & Implant Solutions

Overview

Why Is Blasting Used in Implant Manufacturing? Materials requiring medical blasting are typically produced from stainless steel and titanium alloys; their surfaces are blasted to achieve better compatibility with the human body, to allow biological bonds to form on the surface, and to increase biocompatibility. Inert-structure glass bead and white-colored aluminum oxide consumables are especially preferred. It has also been observed that the negative surface energy charge generated during the blasting of implants and prostheses has a positive effect on the osseointegration (bone-fusion) process.

Medical Surface Treatment with Wet Blasting: Although dry blasting remains the primary method for finishing medical material surfaces, wet blasting is increasingly preferred because it offers a dust-free, safer working environment and, thanks to the lubricating and cushioning effect of water, provides better surface finishing. The SK 1100 T's automatic drum-type system enables small parts (such as implants, stents and guide wires) to be processed rapidly and consistently in series, while the same machine's second chamber — which can switch to manual mode — allows larger parts, such as surgical instruments, to be blasted with the same precision.

Materials That Can Be Processed: Titanium, Stainless Steel, Copper, Silicone, Pyrolytic Carbon, Nitinol, Inconel, Aluminum, Polypropylene, Ceramic, Graphite, Teflon (PTFE), Kovar, Brass, Glass.

Precision Processing and Post-Treatment: Medical parts processed one by one using precision blasting methods in blasting cabinets are targeted to achieve equal roughness values across every area of the surface; parts whose surface properties are found satisfactory are then washed in suitable ultrasonic devices to make them ready for use. In addition to achieving the desired aesthetic appearance, blasting is also applied as a necessary pre-treatment step before anodizing, coating or chemical processes. High-stress orthopedic components are also made more effective and durable through metallurgical blasting.