The functionalisation of surfaces through PVD coatings have become an indispensable component of modern medical technology since the coatings provide a unique combination of extreme surface hardness, low friction coefficient and anti-corrosion properties. In addition to uncompromising quality, the medical industry also demands compliance with biocompatibility regulations.
Powered medical instruments
Coating eliminates the need for lubrication.
Powered medical instrumentsMachining of medical devices
Medical instruments and implants are made e.g. of stainless steels, titanium, CoCr alloys or zirconium. Cutting tools coated with specialized PVD coatings enable the efficient and precise machining of those challenging materials.
CuttingBone repositioning instruments
Wear protection combined with antiglare properties.
Bone repositioning instrumentsBone drills and reamers
Wear-resistant ceramic coatings provide long-term cutting edge sharpness.
Bone drills and reamersMicropituitary rongeurs
Bone punches with wear resistant cutting edges and black DLC antiglare coating.
Micropituitary rongeursBone saws
Coatings provide oil-free lubrication and high-speed operation at low remaining temperatures.
Bone saws
Surgical instruments
Scratch and wear resistance, anti-glare and antimicrobial properties.
Surgical instrumentsMinimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) instruments
The Knotless Fixation System – recipient of the Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation award – uses BALIMED ALTINA to indicate the depth of insertion.
Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) instrumentsDental screws
Improved screw adjustability. Reduction of torque during the assembly of the screws combined with a higher holding force.
Dental screwsDental instruments and tools
The gears of highspeed dental drills operate with no oil.
Dental instruments and toolsMore than 50 years of knowledge and expertise
Our experience and knowledge in the development of medical application-specific solutions in the medical industry is based on many years of cooperation with medical experts and universities/university clinics. Oerlikon Balzers’ PVD coating solutions improve patient outcomes and add economic value to healthcare products. Through consistent procedures we are therefore able to transfer these solutions globally.
All our coating centres hold the ISO 9001 certification. Our coating centers in Antzuola/Spain, Balzers/Liechtenstein, Brügg/Switzerland, Cluses/France, Elgin/USA, Halmstad/Sweden, and Milton Keynes/UK specialize in coating medical products and are specifically certified for ISO 13485. All our BALIMED coatings meet the highest industry standards and hold the following specific medical certificates:
Cytotoxity: MEM Elution, 72 hours (according to USFDA 21 CFR Part 58)
Sensitisation: Maximisation, Magnusson-Kigman Method (according to ISO 10993)
Irritation: Intracutaneous Reactivity (according to ISO 10993)