High friction surface by laser processing

Abstract

A laser micro texturing is one of the key technologies improving the friction properties. High friction is required for size reductions of machine elements or medical implants. For example, pedicle screws are implants for surgical treatment for idiopathic scoliosis patients especially of serious cases. Size reduction of this implant is required for better QOL of the patients. Biocompatibility is necessary for medical implants, however, it narrows the choses of materials and constraints the design. We developed the high friction surface by laser micro-texturing on practical implant surfaces. The surface has many micro-asperities, which deform and show high friction. In this study, the effect of laser micro texturing on the frictional properties were clarified. We have concluded that laser micro texturing is suitable for processing the asperities with high surface angle that increases the friction