CoCrMo Powder
CoCrMo is a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy powder widely used in metal additive manufacturing for biomedical, dental, aerospace, and industrial applications needing wear resistance and biocompatibility.
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Table of Contents
Overview of CoCrMo Powder
CoCrMo is a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy powder widely used in metal additive manufacturing for biomedical, dental, aerospace, and industrial applications needing wear resistance and biocompatibility.
This article provides a detailed guide to CoCrMo powder covering composition, properties, AM process parameters, applications, specifications, suppliers, handling, inspection, comparisons, pros and cons, and FAQs. Key information is presented in easy-to-reference tables.
Composition of CoCrMo Powder
The composition of CoCrMo alloy powder is:
| Element | Weight % | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cobalt | 58-69 | Matrix element, biocompatibility |
| Chromium | 26-30 | Corrosion resistance, wear resistance |
| Molybdenum | 5-7 | Strength, wear resistance |
| Carbon | 0.05-0.35 | Carbide former |
| Silicon | 1 max | Deoxidizer |
| Manganese | 1 max | Deoxidizer |
| Iron | 0.75 max | Contamination limit |
The high cobalt content provides biocompatibility while chromium and molybdenum impart strength and wear resistance.
Properties of CoCrMo Powder
Key properties of CoCrMo powder include:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Biocompatibility | Excellent compatibility with human body tissues |
| Wear resistance | High abrasion and sliding wear resistance |
| Corrosion resistance | Resistant to body fluids and many chemicals |
| Strength | Tensile strength up to 1310 MPa when work hardened |
| Hardness | Up to 54 HRC when age hardened |
| Fatigue strength | Suitable for cyclical dynamic loading |
The properties enable use for load-bearing implants and devices.
AM Process Parameters for CoCrMo Powder
Typical parameters for printing CoCrMo powder include:
| Parameter | Typical value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Layer height | 20-50 μm | Resolution vs build speed |
| Laser power | 150-400 W | Melting condition without vaporization |
| Scan speed | 400-1200 mm/s | Density versus production rate |
| Hatch spacing | 80-120 μm | Mechanical properties |
| Supports | Tree or lattice | Overhangs, internal channels |
| Hot isostatic pressing | 1220°C, 100 MPa, 3 hrs | Eliminate porosity |
Parameters tailored for density, microstructure, build rate and post-processing requirements.
Applications of 3D Printed CoCrMo Parts
AM CoCrMo components are used in:
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Medical | Knee/hip implants, dental crowns, surgical tools |
| Aerospace | Turbine blades, engine components |
| Automotive | Valve seats, turbocharger wheels |
| Industrial | Wear-resistant tooling, flanges, seals |
| Oil and gas | Valve parts, pumps |
Benefits versus wrought CoCrMo include complex geometries, customized implants, reduced costs and lead times.
Specifications of CoCrMo Powder for AM
CoCrMo powder must meet strict specifications:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Particle size range | 15-45 μm typical |
| Particle shape | Spherical morphology |
| Apparent density | > 4 g/cc |
| Tap density | > 6 g/cc |
| Hall flow rate | > 23 sec for 50 g |
| Purity | >99.9% |
| Oxygen content | <1000 ppm |
Custom size distributions and controlled moisture levels available.
Suppliers of CoCrMo Powder
Reputable CoCrMo powder suppliers include:
| Supplier | Location |
|---|---|
| Carpenter Additive | USA |
| Sandvik Osprey | UK |
| Erasteel | Sweden |
| AP&C | Canada |
| LPW Technology | UK |
| Arcam AB | Sweden |
Pricing ranges from $50/kg to $120/kg based on quality considerations and order volume.
Handling and Storage of CoCrMo Powder
As a reactive material, careful CoCrMo powder handling is essential:
- Store sealed containers away from moisture, acids, ignition sources
- Prevent exposure to air and use inert gas padding
- Ground equipment to dissipate static charges
- Avoid dust accumulation and use dust extraction
- Local exhaust ventilation recommended
- Follow safety data sheet precautions
Proper techniques ensure optimal powder condition.
Inspection and Testing of CoCrMo Powder
Quality testing methods include:
| Method | Parameters Tested |
|---|---|
| Sieve analysis | Particle size distribution |
| SEM imaging | Particle morphology |
| EDX | Chemistry and composition |
| XRD | Phases present |
| Pycnometry | Density |
| Hall flow rate | Powder flowability |
Testing per ASTM standards verifies powder quality and batch consistency.
Comparing CoCrMo to Alternative Alloy Powders
CoCrMo compares to other alloys as:
| Alloy | Biocompatibility | Strength | Cost | Printability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoCrMo | Excellent | Medium | Medium | Good |
| Titanium Ti64 | Good | Low | High | Fair |
| Stainless steel 316L | Good | Medium | Medium | Excellent |
| Inconel 718 | Poor | High | High | Good |
CoCrMo provides the best combination of biocompatibility, strength, and printability for many applications.
Pros and Cons of CoCrMo Powder for AM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance | Limited high temperature capability |
| Very good wear and abrasion resistance | Susceptible to porosity during printing |
| Readily 3D printable and weldable | Requires controlled atmosphere handling |
| Cost advantage versus titanium alloys | Post-processing often needed |
| Can match wrought material properties | Lower fracture toughness than stainless steels |
CoCrMo enables functional metal implants and components, albeit with controlled processing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about CoCrMo Powder
Q: What particle size range works best for 3D printing CoCrMo alloy?
A: A typical range is 15-45 microns. It provides good powder flowability combined with high resolution and density.
Q: What post-processing methods are used on CoCrMo AM parts?
A: Hot isostatic pressing, heat treatment, surface machining, and polishing are commonly used post-processes for achieving full density and surface finish.
Q: Which metal 3D printing processes are compatible with CoCrMo alloy?
A: Selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and electron beam melting (EBM) can all process CoCrMo powder.
Q: What industries use additively manufactured CoCrMo components?
A: Medical, dental, aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and industrial sectors benefit from 3D printed CoCrMo parts.
Q: Does CoCrMo require support structures during 3D printing?
A: Yes, supports are needed on overhangs and internal channels to prevent deformation and allow easy removal after printing.
Q: What defects can occur when printing CoCrMo powder?
A: Potential defects are porosity, cracking, distortion, incomplete fusion, and surface roughness. Most can be prevented with optimized parameters.
Q: What type of biocompatibility testing is done on CoCrMo alloys?
A: Cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, and implantation testing per standards like ISO 10993 are conducted.
Q: How are the properties of printed CoCrMo compared to cast alloy?
A: AM CoCrMo components can achieve mechanical properties on par or better than cast and annealed counterparts when optimized.
Q: What are the main differences between CoCr F75 and SP2 alloys?
A: F75 has higher carbon for better machinability while SP2 has lower carbon plus niobium for improved particle melting behavior during printing.
Q: What density can be expected with 3D printed CoCrMo components?
A: Density above 99% is achievable for CoCrMo with ideal parameters tailored for the alloy, matching wrought material properties.
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