Medical Coatings

COATINGS TO ENHANCE THE SURFACE CONDITION WITH IMPROVED OPERATING PROPERTIES

IMPLANTATION DEVICES		HIGH WEAR, EXCELLENT ADHESION, LOW ION RELEASE
INSTRUMENTS		EDGE RETENTION, LOW FRICTION, REDUCED HEAT BUILD UP
TRAUMA DEVICES		BIOCOMPATIBLE, LOW SLIP, REJECT BONE GROWTH
DEVICE COMPONENTS		IMPROVED PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES, LONGER LIFE

CASE STUDY NITRON-COATED PROSTHESIS

Due to the durability and adhesion of Nitron CrN and Nitron O coatings, the steady state wear rate of fully coated metal on metal hip implants are reduced by a factor of over 30 . Additionally the wear debris produced during reciprocating wear tests was shown to be markedly less toxic than wear debris from uncoated surfaces. This combination of reduced wear and reduced ion release provides the potential for the extension of the life of coated implants to over 40 years.

CASE STUDY NITRON-COATED ORTHOPAEDIC INSTRUMENTS

The ultra-low friction imparted on to cutting instruments by Nitron coatings will result in much lower tip temperatures at the cutting edge when compared to uncoated products (Usually below the critical value of 40C) The high hardness values of Wallwork Cambridge's Nitron coatings will also preserve the edge integrity of the tool maintaining sharpness for at least three times longer than uncoated tools. The sharper, harder tool means surgeons require less force for tool feeding whilst minimising vibration - resulting in less damage and more rapid healing. Drill tests have confirmed that Nitron coated drills maintain a sharp edge and smooth flutes after completing 8000 holes.

KEY BENEFITS OF MEDICAL COATINGS FROM Wallwork Cambridge

Improved Edge Retention of procedural instruments
Higher wear protection on articulating Surfaces
Reduced Friction and Galling
Functional and stable aesthetic colours providing colour coding
Reduced instrument glare
Reduced ion release of substrate elements
Chemical Barrier layer
Biocompatibility