EDM Machining Capabilities of Magnesium (Mg) Alloy WE43 for Medical Applications

Besides high geometrical accuracy medical devices strongly require a good surface integrity of the produced parts. Surfaces should be optimized to reduce friction or to increase cell adhesion for optimal fitting, mechanical stability and biocompatibility to reduce the risk of inflammatory reactions. Therefore surfaces should posses tailored roughness, a closed structure without pores and cracks and should not contain any toxic substances as a result of the machining process. New biomaterials like magnesium alloys for biodegradable orthopaedic implants are very difficult to machine with conventional processes especially for complex and filigree 3D-structures. Therefore, alternative manufacturing technologies are desired and need to be developed. This paper analyzes the capabilities of state-of-the-art EDM process technologies regarding achievable surface integrity.