Irish company Croom Medical has developed a technology platform named TALOS, specifically designed for the additive manufacturing of tantalum components. Created in collaboration with Global Advanced Metals (GAM), TALOS utilizes laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) to produce high-precision structures for both medical and industrial applications.
Tantalum is considered a suitable material for medical implants due to its biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. However, processing the high-melting-point metal has posed significant challenges. TALOS addresses these through precise process control and optimized material handling within the powder bed fusion process.
Dr. Shane Keaveney, R&D Manager at Croom Medical, highlighted the significance of this advancement. “Tantalum has long been valued for its outstanding biointegration, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. With TALOS, we unlock these intrinsic qualities, allowing precise control over implant ductility and strength to closely match native bone.”
A distinctive feature of the platform is its ability to print tantalum directly onto titanium substrates. This hybrid manufacturing approach combines the low density of titanium with the osteoconductive properties of tantalum, resulting in implants with improved bone fixation and potentially lower revision surgery rates.
“After 3D printing, leftover powder from Croom Medical is returned to GAM, where it undergoes rigorous refining and reprocessing before re-entering the manufacturing cycle. This approach maximises material efficiency and ensures a secure, consistent supply of tantalum”, explained Dr Gordon C. Smith , GAM’s CTO.
Croom Medical also highlights that the tantalum powder used in TALOS is ethically sourced and conflict-free. The closed-loop recycling model is intended to ensure supply chain stability while promoting responsible resource use.
Patrick Byrnes, CEO of Croom Medical, emphasised the company’s commitment to advancing manufacturing technologies. “TALOS™ aligns with our mission to advance manufacturing technologies, significantly improving patient outcomes by producing implants with superior biointegration, reduced stress shielding, and exceptional fatigue resistance. These benefits should lower the rate of surgery revisions, thus avoiding patient discomfort and unnecessary added surgery costs.”
Dr. Keaveney concluded, “The launch of TALOS positions us at the forefront of medical innovation, reinforcing our commitment to continuous innovation and advanced patient care.”
In addition to its medical focus, TALOS is suitable for industrial applications requiring complex internal geometries, integrated cooling channels, or defined surface textures, as found in energy and process engineering. The platform is available through Croom Medical’s contract manufacturing services, supporting projects from prototyping to full-scale production.
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