Nano-second UV laser processed micro-grooves on Ti6Al4V for biomedical applications

• Published in: Materials Science & Engineering C Vol. 29; no. 1; pp. 5 - 13
• Main Authors: Fasasi, A.Y., Mwenifumbo, S., Rahbar, N., Chen, J., Li, M., Beye, A.C., Arnold, C.B., Soboyejo, W.O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2009
• Subjects: Biomedical devices; Heat-affected zones; Micro-grooves; Micro-structure; Topography; UV laser processing; UV laser processing; Topography; Heat-affected zones; Micro-structure; Micro-grooves; Biomedical devices
• ISSN: 0928-4931; 1873-0191
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2008.05.002

Laser surface texturing can be used to produce well defined micro-grooves on biomedical materials such as Ti-6Al-4V. Such micro-grooves can be optimized to improve the integration with surrounding tissue. This paper examines the effects of Gaussian shaped beam profiles for nano-second laser processing on the laser micro-groove geometry, topography, and micro-structure of Ti-6Al-4V under atmospheric conditions. Laser and machining parameters such as pulse rate, scan speed, wavelength, groove width and pitch are shown to affect the resulting micro-groove geometries. In contrast to prior micro-groove studies using top-hat beam profiles with ultra-violet (UV) Excimer lasers or large area masking techniques, grooves produced with Nd:YVO 4 exhibit improved roughness parameters and reduced heat-affected zones. Initial processing parameters are established for the fabrication of micro-groove geometries on flat geometries that are relevant to biomedical implants and devices.