American Elements manufacturers biomedical grade metals and alloys used in a variety of applications in the medical field including biocompatible implants, surgical instruments, orthopedic rods, pins and plates and medical and dental implants. Products include medical grade titanium alloys, surgical steel, cobalt-chromium based alloys, precious metal alloys, and ceramic materials.

Implant alloys are typically derived from three materials systems: stainless steels, and titanium alloys. Cobalt-chromium based alloys and (aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide) are employed in making orthopedic implants.

Question? Speak to an American Elements engineer at medical.devices@americanelements.com

Innovation Case Study #23: American Elements Creates Unique Alloy for 3D-Printed Medical Implants

#23: American Elements Creates Unique Alloy for 3D-Printed Medical Implants


The Challenge

Cutting-edge technologies have opened up the field of biomedical devices to innovations in both materials and manufacturing techniques. When Johnson & Johnson researchers began to explore 3D-printing as a more cost-effective and efficient production method for implants and surgical tools, they turned to American Elements for their extensive knowledge of advanced materials and expertise in additive manufacturing.

The Innovation

American Elements engineers from multiple departments collaborated to synthesize and test various compositions of both traditional and experimental alloy powders that would be suitable for the exacting requirements of additive manufacturing. These powders require strict particle size ranges and controlled morphologies, which the engineers' vast experience with custom alloy production allowed them to easily achieve.

The Result

American Elements engineers determined that a novel nickel-titanium alloy with a unique chemical composition was the material best suited to produce robust, long-lasting, and biocompatible implants and devices via 3D-printing. The alloy is currently undergoing testing by Johnson & Johnson's R&D department to determine scalability.