Method for molding a cross-linked preform
AssigneeDePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
InventorsDonald E. McNulty, Todd Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing or near net-shape bearing is provided. The method includes providing a cross-linked plastic resin preform in a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing and molding the cross-linked preform. The molding is accomplished by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired solid plastic shape. The heating and pressure is sufficient to melt the plastic resin so that the plastic resin flows under pressure and quench remaining free-radicals.
Claims33
A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, near net-shape bearing, or net-shape bearing, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an irradiated plastic preform, said preform having a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing, near net-shape bearing, or net-shape bearing, and
- molding the irradiated preform by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired shape, the heating being sufficient to cross-link the plastic and quench free radicals present in the preform, the heating also being sufficient to melt the plastic so that it will flow under pressure.
A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, near net-shape bearing, or net-shape bearing, the method comprising the steps of:
- irradiating a plastic preform with a dose of radiation, said preform having a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing, near net-shape bearing, or net-shape bearing, and
- molding the irradiated preform by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired shape, the heating being sufficient to cross-link the plastic and quench free radicals present in the preform, the heating also being sufficient to melt the plastic so that it will flow under pressure.
A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, near net-shape bearing, or net-shape bearing, the method comprising the steps of:
- irradiating an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene preform with a dose of radiation, said preform having a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing, near net-shape bearing, or net-shape bearing, and
- molding the irradiated preform by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired shape, the heating being sufficient to cross-link the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and quench free radicals present in the preform, the heating also being sufficient to melt the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene so that it will flow under pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.