Hip joint machining: Precision for long-lasting implants
The highest demands on material, machining and surface quality — from the acetabular cup to the femoral stem.
The hip joint is one of the most common types of endoprostheses and requires the highest precision in manufacturing. The three main components—acetabular cup, femoral head and femoral stem—must be optimally matched to ensure stability, longevity and smooth implant integration.
Thanks to specific machining technologies, materials such as titanium alloys, cobalt chrome and stainless steel can be machined with the highest surface quality and dimensional accuracy for medical applications.
Your benefits at a glance
- Perfect geometry and surface quality — for optimum gliding
- Processing strategies for high-quality materials — tailored to the requirements of medical technology
- Process reliability and efficiency — state-of-the-art milling and turning for reproducible quality
Precise machining for long-lasting hip implants
Modern manufacturing technologies and specialised machining processes for hip implants — from the acetabular cup to the femoral shaft.
Hip implants consist of:
a. Acetabular cup/shell — a joint cup that has an insert or lining made of plastic, ceramic or metal.
b. Femoral head — a ball-shaped part made of metal or ceramic.
c. Femoral shaft — a metal stem made of titanium or cobalt-chrome-based alloys, some of which consist of a single-piece stem and ball; other designs are modular and allow additional adjustments.
Hip implants are usually made of cobalt chrome, for example ASTM F1537, titanium (e.g. Ti6Al4V ELI) or stainless steel for medical applications 316LVM.
Characteristics of the hip implant machining process
- Stable clamping — for maximum precision
Secure fixing is crucial for dimensional stability and quality.
- Small series production — efficient production of small quantities
Flexible processes enable cost-effective production with high precision.
- Material processing — Robust blanks for maximum mechanical strength
Forged and cast blanks for the shaft add strength.
- Rod material — high-quality femoral head and cup materials
Special alloys ensure exact fit and durability.
"Acetabular cup" machining
Optimum stability and fit thanks to precise manufacturing technologies
The production of acetabular cups places high demands on material quality and machining accuracy. Specialised machining techniques produce smooth surfaces and precise contours that enable long-lasting and secure implant integration.
Production Technology – Solutions for the medical industry, page 8/9
"Articulated joint" machining
Perfect ball geometry for optimum mobility
The production of joint heads requires the highest surface quality and dimensional accuracy. High-precision machining processes produce extremely smooth and wear-resistant surfaces for low-friction integration in the hip joint.
Production Technology – Solutions for the medical industry, page 10/11
"Hip stem/bone rasp" machining
Stable connection and optimum power transmission
The hip stem must exhibit the exact geometries required for stable anchoring in the bone. Modern machining strategies achieve a precise fit that ensures a long service life.
Production Technology – Solutions for the medical industry, page 12/14/15
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Production Technology – Solutions for the medical industry
Get a comprehensive insight into the latest solutions for the medical technology industry — from components to materials to machining technologies.
