Using WLI to Characterize Roughness and Wear of Orthopedic Implants

_{KEYWORDS: Orthopedic Implant; Case Study; R&D; Quality Control; White Light Interferometry;  ISO 7206; ASTM f2033l ASTM F2068; ASTM F2791; ISO 25178; ISO 7206-1; ISO 1920; ASME B46.1}

Orthopedic implants vary largely in form, including size, shape, material, and surface finish. With such a wide range of parameters, control of the critical specifications of a part can become a challenge involving many different metrology instruments suited to different tasks. Tolerances on measured parameters are also often exceedingly tight with deference to a component’s functionality and longevity after surgical implantation.

This application note discusses the advantages advanced optical profilometry provides for both research and development and quality control for orthopedic implants and implant components, including case studies showcasing automated hip cup inspection and orthopedic component design.

Readers can expect to learn more about:

• The importance of inspecting orthopedic parts in a fast, accurate, repeatable, and non-destructive way;
• Our simple and straightforward WLI-based technique for obtaining data from various materials, whether they are smooth and reflective, rough and non-reflective, or even highly transmissive; and
• How Bruker’s WLI profilers are specifically designed for precise quality control in the orthopedic industry.