Surface finishing of stainless steels for orthopedic surgical tools by large-area electron beam irradiation

Surgical tools and jigs are initially machined by multi-axis milling. Then surface finishing is carried out mainly by hand lapping. As these tools undergo repeated use, the removal of burrs, scratches and rust from the surfaces is also performed manually after each operation. These finishing processes are time-consuming and costly. In this study, a new finishing method by large-area electron beam irradiation is proposed. Electron beam (EB) with high energy density can be obtained without focusing the beam, and large-area EB can be used for instantly melting or evaporating the metal surface. Stainless steel for surgical tools and jigs was treated by the large-area EB irradiation method. The experimental results show that highly efficient surface smoothing of stainless steels by large-area EB irradiation may be achieved. In addition, the resistance to corrosion and blood repellency can be improved simultaneously with surface smoothing.