The first domestic 3D printed hip joint has been approved for sale! Is it good for cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy demand?
Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy is a typical cobalt-based alloy, which has the characteristics of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, good thermodynamic properties, excellent biocompatibility, non-irritation, non-toxicity, non-radioactivity, non-magnetism, no carcinogens and no mutagenic distortion. Therefore, it is widely used in medical fields, such as manufacturing artificial joints and internal crowns of dentures.
Compared with stainless steel human body implant materials, cobalt-Cr-Mo alloy is more suitable for manufacturing artificial joints, which can effectively avoid cracks, friction and fatigue corrosion, as well as loosening or causing malignant tumors. In addition, the cobalt-Chromium-molybdenum alloy manufactured by selective laser melting technology in 3D printing has the advantages of better surface properties, gold-ceramic bonding properties and lower thermal expansion coefficient.
In fact, the application of cobalt-Chromium-molybdenum alloy in artificial joints has been reported in 2019. In March 2019, China's first internal stable total knee replacement system with independent intellectual property rights was approved for marketing. The prosthetic metal parts (femoral condyle and tibial plateau) in this product are made of cobalt-Chromium-molybdenum alloy material. The internal stabilized total knee replacement system not only provides higher range of motion and more reliable wear resistance, but also maintains stability during knee movement.
Overall, there are many advantages of artificial joints made of cobalt-Chromium-molybdenum alloy, but whether its demand will increase due to the approval of 3D-printed hip joints needs further market verification.
