• 3D Etching

3D Photo Chemical Etching

Tecomet is one of the only companies in the world that can perform 3D photo chemical etching. Tecomet's patented Tecotex® process creates engineered 3-dimensional surface textures. Our innovative 3D photo chemical etching optimizes the fit, stability, bone adhesion, and service life of orthopedic implants and all types of medical devices. The Tecotex process uses computer-aided design (CAD) techniques to create macro-peaks and cavities on an implant's surface with photochemical etching. The medical implant etching process creates inherent undercuts on these macro-peaks and cavities, giving the texture a strong grip. By applying coarse, medium or fine texture patterns, Tecotex strengthens the implant's adhesion ability and improves osseointegration.

Tecotex All Types of Medical Implant Etching

Tecomet's 3-dimensional etching processes have been applied to a variety of metallic substrates, including pure titanium, titanium alloys, and stainless steel. Etching can be applied to almost any surface configuration or complexity, including the following medical applications:

Implants:

• Acetabular cups
• Hip stems
• Shoulder stems
• Knee implants
• Femoral & tibial components
• Spinal  implants
• Dental implant posts

Instruments:

• Broaches
• Reamers
• Distractors
• Inserters
• Rasps
• Files

Advantages of the 3-D Etching Process

Unlike conventional additive surface coating processes, the Tecotex 3-dimensional process is subtractive. This subtractive process preserves the original datum surface and physical implant dimensions, and eliminates the risk of particulate matter sloughing off during fabrication or after implant surgery. Additional benefits of chemical etching 3D printed prototypes include:

• Versatile applicability during or after implant production
• Can be applied to complex surface geometries
• Reduction in part rejects due to exceptional accuracy & uniformity between implants
• Fidelity to the original texture pattern
• Consistent device performance during & after surgery
• Room temperature processing to eliminate thermal risks & preserve metallurgical properties
• Open, clean surface that eliminates the need for final machining and reduces the potential for contaminant entrapment

To learn more about our processes, request a quote, or contact a Tecomet team member about your project, submit your inquiry using our secure online form and we will be in touch promptly to answer your questions. You may also reach us at 978-642-2400.