Nitinol bar is used as feedstock for downstream machining operations, allowing orthopedic device manufacturers to produce complex, high-precision components directly from bar stock while preserving Nitinol’s functional benefits. Typical applications include compression staples, fixation elements, and implant components designed to exert controlled forces within the body. 

 “For more than 35 years, Fort Wayne Metals has supplied customized Nitinol products to the medical device industry. The company is uniquely positioned because it controls every aspect of the supply chain, from melt to custom finish,” Przybyla said. “We ensure a consistent Nitinol bar supply to meet the diverse needs of the orthopedic device market.” 

Himed (Booth 522)
Techniques to Enhance the Bioactivity of PEEK 

 Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a thermoplastic polymer that’s well-suited for orthopedic applications due to its bone-like mechanical properties, chemical stability and radiolucency. However, PEEK’s practical use is significantly limited by its hydrophobic nature and inability to integrate directly with bone tissue. 

 “Enhancing PEEK bioactivity with calcium phosphate is important because it transforms biologically inert PEEK into an osteoconductive surface that promotes bone bonding and improves implant fixation and longevity,” said Craig Rosenblum, President of Himed, a global supplier of medical biomaterials. “This preserves PEEK’s mechanical and imaging advantages while reducing complications and revision surgeries.” 

 Rosenblum highlights the practical benefits of this approach, including expanded use of PEEK in load-bearing and imaging-sensitive applications, as well as the ability to scale using established surface treatments and coating technologies. 

 “Himed differentiates itself in the implant space through deep expertise in calcium phosphate biomaterials and a unique ability to precisely control critical material properties such as composition, particle size and distribution, morphology and surface area,” Rosenblum said. 

 The company’s ability to manufacture biomaterials to rigorous standards and optimize their performance through a variety of surface treatment processes enables the creation of customized solutions tailored to specific medical implant geometries and forms.  

 “Our newly established Bioceramics Center of Excellence and a strong emphasis on R&D leads to continuous innovation and the introduction of novel materials and technologies that keep Himed at the forefront of biomaterial technologies,” Rosenblum said. 

Zapp Precision Metals (Booth 1338)
Development of High Strength, High Ductility Cobalt Chrome Bar 

 Spinal rod systems require materials that combine high strength with exceptional ductility to enable forming while maintaining mechanical integrity, according to Zapp Precision Metals. The company has developed an advanced manufacturing process to produce high-elongation cobalt-chromium (CoCr) bar in a warm-worked condition, with mechanical properties specifically optimized for spinal rod applications.  

 Through a tightly controlled warm-working process, the company can produce ASTM F1537 Alloy 1 bar in diameters ranging from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, achieving elongation values greater than 25%, which exceeds typical values for warm-worked CoCr bar. 

 “This unique balance of properties delivers superb formability without compromising mechanical strength,” said Danielle Rickert, U.S. Technical Director at Zapp Precision Metals. “The enhanced ductility also reduces the risk of metallurgical compromise during fabrication and end use.” 

 CoCr rods are commonly used in implantable spinal systems and are often contoured to match a patient’s unique anatomy. “Typically, higher ductility is achieved by reducing mechanical strength,” Rickert said. “Zapp developed a process that produces highly ductile material while maintaining the strength required of a warm-worked metal.” 

 Approximately one-third of Zapp’s overall business focuses on the production and sale of metals for surgical applications. “We dedicate product development, engineering and technical focus on producing best-in-class materials,” Rickert said. 

dsm-firmenich (Booth 900)
Developing Next Generation Bioactive Coatings 

 Orthopedic OEMs continue to expand cementless fixation into more complex patient populations, meaning implant surface performance must support reliable fixation and early healing without compromising manufacturability, according to dsm-firmenich. Its VitaGlass Bioactive Glass Ceramic is designed to accelerate mineralization, enhance wettability, and provide added protective potential for cementless arthroplasty. 

 VitaGlass achieves full surface mineralization within 24 hours while retaining proven bioactivity and antimicrobial potential, even after post-processing above 500°C. “The material is fully compatible with plasma spray and blend formulations, enabling integration into established coating workflows,” said Robert Riti, Director of Orthopedic Strategic Marketing at dsm-firmenich. 

 “As orthopedic OEMs expand cementless fixation into more complex patient populations, implant surface performance is under greater pressure to support reliable fixation and early healing,” Riti said. “There is also increasing focus on solutions that can be integrated into existing manufacturing workflows without adding complexity at scale.” 

 Riti adds that dsm-firmenich combines deep biomaterials expertise with manufacturing readiness. “VitaGlass Bioactive Glass Ceramic is designed for real-world production, enabling OEMs to integrate advanced surface performance into existing processes and scale efficiently while expanding their portfolio with breakthrough technology,” he said. 

Tap into the expertise of these materials providers and hundreds more suppliers at OMTEC, June 9-11 in Chicago.