Standardization News

A new ASTM International standard covers unalloyed titanium components that are used for surgical implants. F2989, Specification for Metal Injection Molded Unalloyed Titanium Components for Surgical Implant Applications, was developed by Subcommittee F04.12 on Metallurgical Materials, part of ASTM International Committee F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices.

F2989 covers the chemical, mechanical and metallurgical requirements for three grades of metal injection molded unalloyed titanium components to be used in the manufacture of surgical implants.

Matthias Scharvogel, managing director, Element 22 GmbH, and an F04 member, says that the manufacturing process for implants made by metal injection molding allows for the design of new geometries and reduces manufacturing costs.

"Through F2989, the material properties of metal injection molded unalloyed titanium components can be directly compared to components that are made with conventional methods," says Scharvogel.

In addition to manufacturers and medical companies, F2989 will be used as the basis by laboratories that test the material properties of the metal injection molded component. The standard also defines the requirements as a baseline for the regulatory bodies.

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CONTACT Technical Information: Matthias Scharvogel, Element 22 GmbH • Kiel, Germany • Phone: 49-431-6594620 | ASTM Staff: Pat Picariello • Phone: 610-832-9720 | Upcoming Meeting: May 21-24 • May Committee Week • Indianapolis, Ind.