Micropiercing of titanium foil by a roll press method

• We examined the microprocessing of a barrier membrane by using the RTS technique.
• In the absence of a lining film, the aperture ratio was poor.
• In contrast, when a lining film was used, almost complete penetration was achieved.
• The size of through-holes produced at various loads increased with increasing load.

Titanium (Ti) has many valuable properties, such as its light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance. Consequently, it has attracted attention as a highly biocompatible material for implants in the human body. A process has been developed for micropiercing Ti by a roll-to-substrate method to produce a barrier membrane for guided tissue regeneration. In this method, a concavo-convex shaped mold is positioned between a press roll and a stage that moves the substrate while the roll presses it. The technique has low costs, operates at room temperature, and permits high-throughput continuous piercing without damage from thermal effects or oxidation. The processed membrane is suitable for use in biocompatible devices. We investigated the characteristics of a Ti sheet perforated in the presence or absence of a lining film and their dependence on the pressing load. In the absence of a lining film, the aperture ratio was poor and, moreover, the pattern of the mold did not penetrate the film evenly. In contrast, when a lining film was used, almost complete penetration was achieved. The size of the holes that penetrated the film increased with increasing load.

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