Producing medical implant with defined surface roughness - applying spark erosion with titanium electrodes for shaping and roughening in single operation for enhanced adhesion

摘要

A method of producing medical implants e.g. dental implants with a defined degree of surface roughness, typically 1 to 100 micro metres, employs spark erosive techniques. Using titanium or titanium coated wire electrodes with a dia. between 0.20 mm and 0.35 mm and a generator open circuit voltage in excess of 150 V., sharp surface indentations are produced during the profiling of the implant to provide, in a single operation, a firm anchorage for surrounding tissue. Suitable dielectric liquids for the process are deionised water or a dielectric fluid with bioactive additions. USE/ADVANTAGE - Implant is formed and provided with roughness controlled surface in single operation. Produces implants which are highly biocompatible and display good integration with surroundings. Does not require secondary cleaning for removal of contaminants.