|
Techmetals offers a variety of titanium anodize options; our
validated proprietary processes can do Type III color titanium anodize (TM- MedaDize Color), and Type II gray titanium anodize
per AMS 2488 (TM- MedaDize Gray). Titanium anodizing is an electrochemical passivation process that is used to form an oxide layer on the surface of titanium parts. Typically in the medical industry titanium anodizing is done as either a Type II gray anodize for wear resistance properties or a Type III Color anodize for part specific visual identification.
Techmetals is committed to superior quality for all of our medical coatings. Our titanium anodize processes are validated and CPU controlled providing first time quality with superior process control. As part of Techmetals commitment to quality the titanium anodize MedaDize coatings are biocompatibility tested
for bioburden as well as cytotoxic effect: in addition type II gray titanium anodize MedaDize coating undergoes wear resistance testing that meets AMS 2488 requirements. Techmetals can also tailor processing and develop new customized processes to specific customer and part needs thanks to our onsite research and develop facility. For a list of available medical processes at Techmetals follow the link to our
Medical Process Reference Guide.pdf.
Type III Color Anodize
Techmetals Type III color titanium anodize (TM- MedaDize Color)
produces an oxide layer of variable thickness. This oxide layer reflects and refracts light waves which in turn cause the perception of color to the human eye. Color perception is caused by light interference between the oxide layer and base metal. Observed color is based on the thickness of the TiO2 “oxide” layer that grows during the anodize process. Since the oxide layer thickness can be controlled a wide array of colors can be produced without the use of dyes. Interference color wavelengths are formed by the refraction of light off of and through the thin titanium oxide layer. It is not the oxide itself that is perceived by the viewer, but its effect on light waves.
Type II Gray Anodize
Techmetals Type II gray titanium anodize (TM- MedaDize Gray) per
AMS 2488 produces an oxide layer that has a porous matte finished gray look and provides increased wear resistance, which is beneficial to implant assemblies and aerospace components.
Type II gray anodize is very similar to the color anodize except for that it is intended to produce a thicker oxide layer that provides improved wear resistance. Gray anodize is typically used in the medical and aerospace industries because of its wear resistance properties. The specification for type II gray anodize is
SAE AMS 2488.
This electrolyte used to anodize type II gray behaves similarly to the color process with an oxide layer growing on the part. However different tank chemistry and setpoints cause this oxide layer to be a thicker porous layer instead of a thin boundary layer like color anodize. This porous oxide layer is still very small and is measured in nano meters (nm) instead of Å.
Although it was originally developed for the aerospace industry type II anodize has become a valuable plating option for the medical device and implant industry. This is due to its corrosion resistance, fatigue strength, anti-galling properties, and wear resistance which are all very desirable properties for permanent implants. All of this is possible due to the thick durable oxide layer that is grown on to the part during the anodize process.
|
|
|
Type II gray
anodized assemblies
|
Techmetals validated MedaDize processes for color titanium anodize and gray (per AMS 2488) titanium anodize give repeatable first time qualtiy.
Detailed empolyee training and education programs ensure our customers receive the best coatings for their medical needs. Techmetals MedaDize processes can run 24 hrs a day providing quick turn times with expedite options available upon request. Our exceptional customer servcie gives customers the care and personall touch they need and deserve.
Only certain wavelengths can be seen based on the thickness of layer at any certain point. The oxide layer depth is measured in angstroms (Å=1/100,000,000 centimeter). This layer can vary in thickness from 500 to 1,000Å+ depending on the color. If the visible wavelengths are read as transmittance, fraction of incident light at a specified wavelength that passes through a sample, and graphed over voltage applied as color spectrum can be observed. This spectrum shows how the wavelengths change and cycle over again as the voltage increases. As the oxide layer grows wavelengths repeat into second order colors. After a thickness of ~3000 Å, the wavelength repetition is so sudden no color can be observed.
|
|
*Color in background is roughly lined up for corresponding
Oxide layer thickness and is
for visual concept reperesentation only
|
By accurately controlling the process variables with CPU based technology Techmetals titanium anodize process is capable of accurately and repeatedly producing a wide array of colors with varying shades and hues. Medical industry standards such as Light Blue, Blue, Gold, Bronze, Vector Purple, Magenta, Sea Foam, and Green can be produced with consistency and accuracy. Colors can be altered to fit any specialty specifications by adjusting such variable parameters. Techmetals can also produce custom colors based on customer needs.
Techmetals commitment to quality, innovation, and superior service allows us “To be So Good Our Customers Brag About Us!”.
|