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Medical Grade Titanium Materials - Indispensable to the Medical Industry

Titanium is one chemical element that has varied uses in human life. Because of its unique properties such as high strength, low density, high heat resistance, and anti-corrosion, titanium materials find their way in many industries. It is a well-known fact that the first uses of titanium were in the aerospace industry, where it was used for aircraft components. Today, the medical field has also benefitted from titanium because for its non-toxic property and the unique ability to join with the human bone.

1. Types of Medical Grade Titanium Materials
There are many titanium alloys that are used for various industries, but the ones that are compatible for medical use are Titanium 6AL4V and 6AL4V ELI. These are titanium materials that are alloyed with aluminum (6%) and vanadium (4%). They are also known as Grade 5 and Grade 23, and have a high compatibility with the human body. There are several distributors all over the world who specialize in selling medical grade titanium materials.

In the dental field, Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-4V ELI are often used for implants. A screw made of titanium is inserted into the jaw, which acts as the root of the tooth. The implant is given a certain amount of time for the titanium implant to blend into the bones. Once the implant has set in, an artificial tooth is inserted into the implant.

2. Benefits of Medical Grade Titanium Materials
As mentioned above, two of the most important characeristics of titanium are its high strength to weight ratio and its ability to resist corrosion. It does not react with body fluids and acids which make it more long-lasting. Titanium grade materials are used for prosthetics such as pins, plates, rods and cages that are inserted into the body.

One of the most common use for medical grade titanium materials is for hip and knee replacement surgery. These materials can also be used to replace elbow and shoulder joints. Titanium pegs are used for aesthetic purposes, such as stands for false eyelashes. Titanium heart valves continue to save the lives of those who need this implant to survive.

3. Titanium Materials for Surgical Instruments
Titanium is harder than some grades of steel, but lighter in weight. It can be used together with other materials for surgical istruments that must be durable, lightweight and have strong anti-corrosion properties. Some of the common surgical devices made of titanium materials are retractors, surgical tweezers, scissors, surgical forceps, suture instruments, needles and needle holders.

4. Titanium Materials For Dental Use
Since titanium has the unique ability to fuse with human bone, it is the only material chosen by dentists for dental implants. These are titanium screws that are inserted into the jaw and once newly formed cells attach themselves to the titanium implant, a bond forms between the body's bone and the newly implanted screw.

5. Future of Titanium Materials for Medical Use
There will be considerable growth in the demand for medical grade titanium materials in the years to come. As the baby boomers reach their golden years, many of them may succumb to weak bones and may need hip and joint replacements. Titanium will continue to be the matierial of choice for the medical and dental fields.


Keywords: titanium alloys,titanium materials

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