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[May 2002]
MAC Presents Ceramic-to-Metal Assemblies for Medical Devices
Morgan Advanced Ceramics (MAC) is now offering an extensive range of products for medical devices. Designed to provide superior reliability and durability, these components feature MAC's innovative ceramic-to-metal seal assembly technology. Using its application engineering expertise, the company manufactures these components - as well as a range of implantable devices - to meet the specific needs of the medical market.The products can be designed using a variety of clinically proven metal and ceramic components, including high purity alumina, zirconia or zirconia toughened alumina ceramic. The ceramic-to-metal assembly technique is said to allow for cost competitive manufacturing through consistent, repeatable manufacturing processes. MAC says that the design flexibility, along with the availability of upper level builds, produces components to the customer's specification with high reliability.
MAC's hip joint replacements are available in both alumina and zirconia. Biograde alumina has a clinical history since 1970, a high hardness and chemical stability, and a superior surface finish with a low coefficient of friction. The zirconia also has a low coefficient of friction, superior surface friction and a high hardness, but it is twice the strength of alumina. MAC's zirconia utilises these properties for a flexible design approach to different anatomical needs.
For increased reliability, the components are said to feature robust designs that minimise the risk of device failure. Offering thermal shock resistance and constructed of biocompatible, corrosion resistant materials, implant feed-throughs are claimed to ideal for extreme conditions. Moreover, the superior electrical properties of the ceramic allow for smaller feed-through designs to be employed.
All the company's medical products are 100% traceable for both process and components and are produced to the required certification standard.
ENDS