Global Implantable Medical Devices Spur Growth in Titanium Demand

Global demand for titanium for medical device implants is growing rapidly, with hip and knee products dominating the market.

According to data published by Siemens, in the U.S. market alone, demand for artificial hip and knee implants is projected to exceed 4 million units by 2030, a 300% increase over 20 years.

Titanium implants are used in a wide range of medical applications, with more than 10 standard sizes and types of artificial hip joints, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

Medical ImplantsTitanium implants are mainly used in artificial joints, but the number of titanium plates and mesh used to rebuild damaged bones is also increasing.

The reason for the widespread use of titanium in medical implants is that it does not rust and does not react with human tissue. In addition, bone growth depends on the surface properties of the specialized titanium implants.

New medical applications are also growing rapidly. Earlier this year, the first titanium chin was implanted in Europe. The implant was manufactured in Belgium. The jaw is made of laser-fused titanium powder in a metal layer, which is called rapid prototyping.

An unusual application for titanium is the placement of orthopedic implants.

The developer and supplier of titanium coatings is APS Materials in the United States, which uses techniques such as plasma spraying to coat implants with titanium. The coatings are typically CP (industrially pure titanium) or standard 6-4 titanium alloy.

The coatings are designed to help support bone growth in anchored implant devices. They have been used in hip and knee joints, as well as disc replacements and other medical applications.