Powder injection moulding for processing of metallic and hydroxyapatite based implant materials

Powder based processing is a common approach in manufacturing of metallic or bioceramic implants. It allows net shape production along with broad variation in material choice, density and surface characteristics. In this paper, powder injection moulding is applied for manufacturing of interference screws for ligament fixation. The suitability of this process is reflected by the successful processing of stainless steel, titanium, hydroxyapatite (HA) and polylactic acid (PLA). With some process modifications, PLA/HA composites with high HA shares up to 70% are obtained by pressing and sintering. By suitable selection of powders and space holders, porosity can be steered for optimum bone compatibility in tissue engineering.