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ASTM F-75 Cobalt Chromium Ideal for Biomedical and Aerospace Applications
Cobalt Chrome is ideal for biomedical and aerospace applications requiring high strength, low weight and excellent wear and corrosion resistance. Cobalt Chrome alloys are widely used in orthopedic implants in Europe, particularly in total-hip or knee arthroplasty, as well as in metal-on-metal bearings in total-hip arthroplasty. Stratasys is the exclusive North American distributor of EBM rapid manufacturing and prototyping systems. "The availability of this alloy opens up new possibilities for direct manufacturing of orthopedic implants and prosthetics," says Kirby Quirk, Stratasys EBM sales-channel manager. "By using Cobalt Chrome and Arcam EBM technology, metal parts can be produced three-to-five times faster than other metal additive-fabrication methods." This allows for new design solutions and greater geometric freedom. EBM technology offers a new method for rapid manufacturing and prototyping metal components. The process produces solid metal parts through a patented CAD-to-Metal(r) process, in which parts are built in layers from metal powder. In the process, each successive layer is formed when an electron beam melts the metal powder in the geometry defined by the CAD file. Because this process occurs in a high vacuum, and the powder is fully melted, parts are 100 percent dense. And they don't contain imperfections caused by oxidation. The time, cost and challenges of machining or investment casting are eliminated. Cobalt Chrome is the newest addition to a growing family of metals for EBM rapid manufacturing and prototyping systems. The full line offered by Stratasys for EBM systems now includes F-75 Cobalt Chrome; Ti6AI4V Titanium, the most widely used titanium alloy; and Ti6AI4V ELI, which features improved ductility and fracture resistance at low temperatures. Stratasys Inc., Minneapolis, makes rapid manufacturing and prototyping systems. Stratasys equipment is used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, and consumer products. In 2005, the company installed 34 percent of all systems sold worldwide, making it the unit market leader for the fourth consecutive year, according to Wohlers Report 2006. Stratasys patented the rapid prototyping process known as fused deposition modeling (FDM(r)). The process creates functional models directly from any 3D CAD program using ABS plastic, polycarbonate, PPSF or other materials. The company holds 175 granted or pending global prototyping patents. In addition to manufacturing products, Stratasys is the exclusive North American distributor of Arcam rapid manufacturing and prototyping systems. Arcam and CAD to Metal are registered trademarks of Arcam AB, Gothenburg, Sweden. Stratasys is a registered trademark of Stratasys, Inc. # # #
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MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 21, 2006 - (NASDAQ: SSYS) Today Stratasys released ASTM F-75 Cobalt Chromium, in North America. The material is a new alloy for use with Arcam EBM (Electron Beam Melting) systems.