Biomedical implant material research using additive manufacturing is a popular field of
study. Many potential material combinations exist which, if implemented properly, could
have a significantly positive effect on implant life and functionality. One material
combination of interest is attaching porous Ta bone ingrowth material to a CoCrMo
corrosion and wear resistant bearing surface. An investigation of the ability of the LENS
process to join Ta to CoCrMo was undertaken. Direct joining of CoCrMo to Ta was
known to be problematic, and thus transitional layers of other biomedically-compatible
materials were investigated. It was determined that a transitional layer of zirconium
appeared to be the best transitional material for this application due to its excellent
biocompatibility, followed by stainless steel, with a lesser biocompatibility but better
adhesive properties.Mechanical Engineerin
