Micro-MIM for medical applications

In recent years the scope of Micro-MIM (mu-MIM) technology has expanded from iron-based materials to a considerable range of functional materials and materials for medical applications. In this paper, three examples of process development for biocompatible materials are discussed. Pilot scale production of a replica of the smallest human bone (stirrup bone) made by mu-MIM of Titanium is shown. Microstructure and properties of the material are investigated. As a second example, the development of mu-MIM technology for Nickel-Titanium parts with phase transformation temperatures in the range of body temperature for biomedical applications is presented. As a third example, micro-structuring of metallic surfaces for metal-based implants by mu-MIM is evaluated. Results on the development of moulding and sintering 316L stainless steel substrates using blends of micron and nano sized powders are shown. Repetitive micro surface patterns that were obtained in the form of protruding hemispheres showed improved bioactivity compared to non-structured tissue control samples.