Can Titanium Replace Cobalt Chrome? HIP-Nitriding Breakthrough

With critical biocompatibility and sustainability challenges in load-bearing implants, OEMs are seeking alternatives to cobalt chrome. Titanium offers a real alternative if its wear resistance can be solved. This presentation reveals how nitrogen-enhanced HIP cycles create protective TiN surface layers with roughly double titanium’s hardness and minimal measurable wear in pin-on-disc testing.

Croom Medical, Quintus Technologies, and Uppsala University tested multiple HIP atmospheres on L-PBF Ti6Al4V, with treated samples showing no delamination or coating failure — common challenges with PVD and plasma nitriding. The technique integrates surface hardening into the densification cycle, eliminating separate coating operations. Attendees will learn which nitrogen concentrations and thermal profiles deliver optimal wear performance, how to preserve nitride layers through post-processing, and considerations for using AM titanium in articulating surfaces traditionally dominated by CoCrMo.

Attend this session by Croom Medical in Booth 700.