Product Code: PIC06_302_2

Laser Cladding and Laser-induced Foaming of Titanium for Biomedical Applications
Authors:
Gerrit Hohenhoff, Laser Zentrum Hannover E.V.; Hannover Germany
Presented at PICALO 2006

High specific strength, low density and excellent corrosion resistance are three of the outstanding properties of titanium. Because of these properties titanium has found a wide range of application. Because of its low density and high absorbance for kinetic energy cellular structures also have an increasing potential for application. Up to now especially foaming of complex devices shows the limitations of conventional foaming processes. Rapid manufacturing is used to build up individual objects for special applications. Because of the individuality of creatures individual prostheses should be used to replace defective human joints. For a long durability the implants have to be adapted macroscopically to the elasticity of human bone. To build up such prostheses the three upcoming technologies have to be combined. In a laser cladding process a massive titanium structure will be built up to a scaffold and filled with titanium foam induced by laser beam. To foam the titanium by laser beam a blowing agent has to be added to the titanium powder. With the combination of laser cladding and laser-induced foaming in a rapid prototyping process the rapid manufacturing of individual prostheses with adapted elasticity can be realized.