From ultra‑thin coatings on surgical instruments to porous implant surfaces, dental applications and special 3D printing powders, Oerlikon helps make surgeries safer, implants more durable and recovery faster. The technologies improve quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
Modern medicine depends on materials and instruments that work safely and precisely. Every surface matters, from the cutting edge of a surgical tool to the joints in a surgical robot. This is where Oerlikon’s medical solutions play a key role.
BALIMED coatings are ultra‑thin coatings developed for surgical instruments, minimally invasive tools and implants. They protect against wear and corrosion, reduce friction and prevent glare in the operating room. Some versions, like BALIMED ARGENTA also offer antimicrobial properties. Thanks to Oerlikon’s coatings, instruments last longer, stay sharp and are easier to clean, helping doctors perform safer, more efficient procedures.
Oerlikon coatings also enhance surgical robots. By reducing friction and wear in joints, pins and shafts, the coatings help robotic systems move smoothly and reliably over long procedures. This reduces the need for conventional lubricants and extends maintenance intervals, while giving surgeons more precise control.
For implants such as artificial hip and knee joints, Oerlikon provides thermal spraying technologies that create porous surfaces. These surfaces allow bone to grow better into the implant after surgery, helping it stay firmly anchored and extending the service life. Oerlikon’s vacuum plasma spraying systems keep implant surface quality consistent, which is critical for regulatory approval.
Oerlikon also develops MetcoMed metal powders for medical 3D printing. The powders combine high strength, good ductility and biocompatibility. They make it possible to produce lightweight, corrosion‑resistant implants tailored to each patient, improving comfort and long-term mobility.
Whether coatings for instruments and robots or advanced materials for implants, Oerlikon solutions help make medical procedures safer, support better healing and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
