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Method of surface hardening cobalt-chromium based alloys for orthopedic implant devices

  • US 5,308,412 A
  • Filed: 03/15/1993
  • Issued: 05/03/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/15/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of manufacturing a cobalt-chromium orthopedic implant device having enhanced wear resistance properties, comprising the steps of:

  • providing a cobalt-chromium substrate in the form of an orthopedic implant device; and

    hardening the surface of the cobalt-chromium substrate by exposing the cobalt-chromium substrate to an atmosphere of non-diluted molecular nitrogen gas at a process temperature within the range of 500°

    F. to 2400°

    F. for a process time duration sufficient to achieve a hardened outer surface layer and a hardened diffusion layer characterized primarily by solid solution hardening of the surface of the cobalt-chromium substrate by dissolution of nitrogen and oxygen in the cobalt-chromium substrate.

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