Micro MIM process development for regular surface patterned titanium bone implant materials

Due to its very good biocompatibility, titanium is the material of choice for permanent metallic bone implants. In order to further improve the attachment and performance of cells, e.g. to enhance osteointegration of the implant, random surface structures have been successful applied. The micro metal injection moulding (-MIM) process represents a promising method to produce regular micro sized patterns on implant surfaces It has been implemented and already effectively used to prepare surface structured stainless steel samples. Focussing now on the processing of high purity titanium micro-structured parts, we investigated the use of powders with various particle size distributions, thereby also using hybrid nano/micro powder mixtures. The feedstocks were moulded to coin shaped specimens with defined hemispheric surface structures. Analysis of replication accuracy, surface topography and mechanical properties were performed.