Surface Polishing of Orthopedic and Orthodontic Parts with High-speed and High-quality Centrifugal Iso-Finishing

Guest column by Mike Klein, CTO, Iso-Finishing Inc. For information contact Dave Davidson | Deburring/Surface Finishing Technologist [email protected] | https://dryfinish.wordpress.com?

Surface polishing plays a vital role in the performance of parts in a variety of industries and is considered an important process component when it comes to orthopedic part polishing. From aviation and aerospace to performance motorsports, surface polishing influences how well parts perform. While critical for many industries, the performance of polished parts is integral in the medical industry. Surface finishing of orthopedic parts 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. Mass finishing provides the perfect solution for creating superior surface functionality. Surface finishing processes like centrifugal barrel finishing quickly and reliably delivering the results required for orthopedic parts such as:

• Bone Plates
• Suture Anchors
• Reattachment Buttons
• Surgical Tools
• Artificial Joints

Benefits of Surface Polishing for Orthopedic Parts.?In addition to achieving the ultra-smooth surfaces demanded by the industry, surface polishing has several benefits for orthopedic parts.

ABOVE: Charts illustrate the Centrifugal Iso-Finishing's effect on part performance including generation of low-micro-inch ultra-smooth surfaces for wear resistance and compressive stress for premature fracture or failure prevention.

Improved Strength and Lifespan. Parts having undergone surface polishing are stronger, more durable, and longer-lasting than unfinished parts. Polished orthopedic parts 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.

Polishing Prevents Part Fatigue. Ensuring orthopedic parts 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 parts for any surface coatings they may receive.

Cleaner, More Sanitary Tools and Components. Hygiene is an important aspect of every facet of patient care, whether it’s the environment where they 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.

Over the years, Centrifugal Iso-Finishing has been used for finishing and polishing a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, cobalt chrome, titanium, and polymer alloys. This experience has enabled us to develop proven processes that meet or exceed strict medical requirements. We provide a range of polishing methods for orthopedic parts and instruments, including centrifugal smoothing and barrel polishing.

ABOVE: Demonstration of Centrifugal Iso-Finishing process on medical bone plates shows a three-step process that takes raw machined parts and transforms them into highly polished components.

ABOVE: Model HZ-60 Centrifugal Iso-Finishing machine demonstrates three step aluminum part polishing process. Similar processes can be used for parts manufactured from other alloys

ABOVE: This Model HZ-40 machine which is used widely throughout the dental and jewelry industries is being demonstrated here on an orthodontic specialty application -- the deburring and edge-finishing of clear plastic aligners.

For additional information and help with arranging for a free sample finishing trial for your parts contact:?Dave Davidson at [email protected]