Cobalt-based alloys have been used in demanding applications
for as long as investment casting has been available as an
industrial process. Arcam’s Electron Beam Melting technology
competes directly with investment casting and is a viable
choice for manufacturing complex parts in cobalt-based alloys.
The majority of investment castings made from the cobalt
super alloys are cast in an open atmosphere. With Arcam’s
Electron Beam Melting process the vacuum atmosphere provides
a controlled environment and enables superior material
properties in the manufactured parts.
CoCrMo alloys are widely used for medical prosthetic implant
devices. The alloys are especially used where high stiffness or a
highly polished and extremely wear-resistant material is
required. CoCrMo alloys are the materials of choice for applications
such as knee implants, metal-to-metal hip joints and
dental prosthetics.
Cobalt alloys also play an important role in the performance of
aero- and land-based gas turbines. While vacuum cast nickel
alloys predominate in the hot sections of modern aero turbine
engines, cobalt alloys are routinely specified
for particularly demanding applications
such as fuel nozzles and vanes for industrial
gas turbines.
Arcam ASTM F75 is a non-magnetic
CoCrMo alloy exhibiting high
strength, corrosion resistance, and
excellent wear resistance. It is widely
used for orthopaedic and dental
implants. Highly polished components
include femoral stems for
replacement hips and knee condyles.
Other cobalt medical implants
include acetabular cups and tibial
trays. In all cases, but especially in
hip components, material quality is
imperative as parts are heavily loaded
and subject to fatigue.
