Standardization News

A proposed new standard will provide a foundation for manufacturers to know what material properties are required of metal injection molded material to be used for surgical implants.

The proposed standard, WK35394, Specification for Metal Injection Molded Commercially Pure Titanium Components for Surgical Implant Applications, is being developed by Subcommittee F04.12 on Metallurgical Materials, part of ASTM International Committee F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices.

ASTM WK35394 will cover the chemical, mechanical and metallurgical requirements for four different grades of metal injection molded titanium components to be used in the manufacture of surgical implants.

"The proposed standard will help the medical device companies see what commercially pure metal injection molding material is available," says Matthias B. Scharvogel, managing director, Element 22, and an F04 member. "It will also state requirements for metal injection molding manufacturers."

All interested parties are invited to participate in the standards developing activities of F04.

CONTACT Technical Information: Matthias B. Scharvogel, Element 22 • Hamburg, Germany • Phone: +49-01-71-673-8526 O ASTM Staff: Pat Picariello • Phone: 610-832-9720 O Upcoming Meeting: May 8-11 • May Committee Week • Phoenix, Ariz.