Titanium MIM for manufacturing of medical implants and devices

Abstract

This chapter starts with a short introduction to metal injection molding (MIM), pointing out both the benefits of the technology and its requirements for powders and equipment. Specific challenges of titanium MIM are discussed on the grounds of the physical properties of titanium and its alloys. Furthermore, references to selected scientific studies show the current status of the application of MIM on specific biomedical alloys while giving examples of today's research. Existing standards for the material and its properties are discussed prior to the background of microstructural differences between wrought and MIM materials, including the role of interstitial elements such as oxygen. This fundamental information is followed by examples of current medical implants and commercially available devices produced by titanium MIM in order to illustrate the motivation for applying this special technology.