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Titanium Anodizing for the Medical Industry |
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Titanium Anodizing - Overview |
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Titanium Anodizing
is often used in the metal finishing of products, especially
those used in the medical device and aerospace industries. The process
provides the advantages of hardening (TYPE II see below) and
coloring the surface of titanium components without altering the
mechanical
properties
of
the metal. Imparting lasting color to a component's surface allows
the
easy identification of devices and parts. The benefits of this are
essential in surgical applications and in the assembly of complex
electronic or mechanical devices. Titanium is an extremely hard,
durable metal used in a variety of applications. Titanium anodizing
is a specialized capability which is not standard throughout the
metal finishing industry. It is, however, essential to engineers
and manufacturers who are relying more and more on the strength and
applicability of
titanium products in today's high-tech markets. |
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Process |
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Titanium anodizing itself is a process that adjusts the oxide level of metal surfaces. This adjustment changes the spectrum of light, resulting in perceived color. By precisely controlling the surface oxide level, an entire range of colors can be produced. Titanium anodizing is not a coating, nor does it use dyes. Voltage applied to the part through fixturing, in an electrolytic bath, controls the color. Therefore, the integrity and properties of the base metal along with its suitability in biomedical applications are not compromised. The Electrolizing Corporation of Ohio has developed its own process, TiMed titanium anodizing. The discovery of a proprietary chemical compound produced better, more efficient results and helped eliminate residuals from the anodized metal surface. The process is non-polluting and offers a wider range of colors than conventional methods. Electrolizing's method also offers greater process control for precise, cost-effective titanium anodizing. |
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Applications
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Color coding of
components and devices greatly reduces errors in assembly or use.
In medical and dental applications, color coding for size allows
instant recognition of needed parts when time and accuracy are critical.
Orthopedic implants, dental implants, medical instruments
and device components can be coded with standardized or specialty
colors to increase efficiency during surgery. In aerospace or other
highly technical applications, color coding provides unambiguous
identification of parts for ease, speed and accuracy of assembly. |
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TYPE
II Titanium Anodizing |
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The Electrolizing Corporation of Ohio also performs TYPE
II titanium anodizing in accordance with the SAE AMS 2488 standard. Although
originally developed in the aerospace industry, TYPE II also has many
benefits for the medical industry for both devices and implants. The
advantages of the TYPE II anodic treatment in comparison to the conventional
finish include increased lubricity, fatigue strength, and it is an excellent
anti-galling coating. These characteristics lead to significant improvement
in implant performance and durability. TYPE II anodizing penetrates the
titanium rather than build up at the surface, resulting in no dimensional
changes after processing. This coating is gray in color, which makes
it easily distinguishable from stainless steel. |
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Applications |
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