Surface polishing plays a vital role in the performance of parts in a variety of industries, especially when it comes to finishing orthopedic components. From aviation and aerospace to performance motorsports, surface finishing influences how well parts perform. While critical for many industries, the performance of finished parts is perhaps most integral in the medical industry. Surface finishing of orthopedic components such as artificial joints is crucial to a patient’s recovery and quality of life.
With patient outcomes in mind, consistently achieving production efficiency, dimensional accuracy, and high-performance surfaces is essential to orthopedic component manufacturing. Isotropic mass finishing provides the perfect solution for creating superior surface functionality. Surface finishing processes such as centrifugal barrel (CBF) and vibratory finishing quickly and reliably deliver the results required for orthopedic components such as:
- Bone Plates
- Suture Anchors
- Reattachment Buttons
- Surgical Tools
- Artificial Joints
Benefits of Surface Finishing of Orthopedic Components
In addition to achieving the ultra-smooth surfaces demanded by the industry, surface finishing has several benefits for orthopedic components:
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Improved Strength and Lifespan
- Parts having undergone surface finishing are stronger, more durable, and longer lasting than unfinished parts. Polished orthopedic components also have a stronger resistance to corrosion, which is imperative when dealing with components implanted in the body. Polishing helps improve surgical success and patients’ quality of life.
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Polishing Prevents Part Fatigue
- Ensuring orthopedic components are long lasting requires special attention to part fatigue, a phenomenon occurring when a part or structural component experiences cracking and subsequent failure due to alternating or cyclical stressors. Part fatigue can have dire consequences for patients with medical devices and implants such as artificial joints and bone stems. The polishing process eliminates stressors that cause part fatigue, creating a uniform finish free of abrupt surface changes. It also helps to prepare metal orthopedic components for any surface coatings they may receive.
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Sanitary Tools and Components:
- Hygiene is an important aspect of every facet of patient care, whether it’s the environment where patients are treated or the tools and components used. The quality of those tools and components can have a direct impact on patient outcomes. Orthopedic components and surgical instruments with a smoother surface prevent contaminants like bacteria from clinging to the part’s exterior. The parts are also much easier to clean and sanitize, effectively improving patient safety and recovery.
ISO Finishing is an Industry Leader in Surface Finishing for Orthopedic Components
ISO Finishing has experience working with all material types and has developed proven processes that meet or exceed strict medical requirements. We provide a range of finishing methods for orthopedic components and instruments, including centrifugal barrel finishing (CBF) and vibratory finishing processes. In addition to polishing, ISO Finishing offers the following services for the medical industry:
- Deburring
- Deflashing
- Descaling
- Radiusing
The best way to show you how our finish will become your finish is to process your sample. Let us show you what we can do. LET’S GET IT FINISHED.
