Applications of powder metallurgy in biomaterials

Abstract

Powder metallurgy (PM) of biomaterials is still a niche market, but considerable progress in related manufacturing technologies opens up the possibility of participating in the emerging market for medical devices and surgical implants within the next decade. PM technologies like metal injection moulding (MIM) are promising manufacturing routes if large quantities of complex-shaped parts are required. In addition, porous implants or coatings that improve implant fixation by bone ingrowth are preferentially made by PM technologies. In this chapter, the most promising PM routes for biomedical applications are introduced. Challenges and specific properties of implant materials are discussed, which were made starting from titanium, magnesium or Nitinol powders. The potential of PM is demonstrated in four case studies.