Company Events
Carpenter Technology's, Medical Global Applications Engineering Lead, Gaurav Lalwani, PhD, and Field Metallurgist, Raymond DeFrain, are hosting a webinar on 'Stainless for the Next Generation', March 31st 2022 at 11am (EDT).
During this session, the following topics will be discussed:
- EUMDR compliant low-cobalt and low-nickel variants of stainless-steel alloys
- Low stress 17-4PH material to support continuous lights out manufacturing
- Small diameter stainless steels for minimally invasive surgeries
- Stainless steel powders for AM
Webinar Overview
Several metal alloys such as stainless steel (SS), titanium (Ti), and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) have been used in various biomedical applications ranging from permanent implants and temporary fixation devices to surgical tools and cutting instruments. Among the various metallic materials used for orthopaedic devices, stainless steel alloys such as 300 series, 400 series, 17-4PH, C455, C465 are some of the most widely used for biomedical implants and surgical tools due to excellent corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. However, there is a need for next-generation stainless steel alloys with enhanced properties to meet the demanding needs of medical devices either due to developments in surgical procedures (robotic assisted and minimally invasive surgeries), production techniques (additive manufacturing, Light’s out production) or changing regulatory framework (EUMDR).
In this presentation, we will discuss the development of EUMDR compliant, Low-Cobalt variants of the commonly used stainless steel alloys along with Low-Nickel stainless steel variant of 316L (BioDur 108). We will present results on the development of Low-Stress 17-4 material with a goal to mitigate issues caused due to the presence of variable high residual-stresses in conventional feedstock to support continuous lights out manufacturing, improve productivity and reduce scrap. We will also introduce A-21 – Carpenter Technology’s latest development of a strong, tough, carburizable stainless steel for high-performance surgical instruments and cutting tools applications. We will discuss the efforts undertaken to support development and production of high strength small diameter stainless steel alloys for small, miniature medical devices for Robotic and Minimally Invasive surgeries. Towards the end, we will highlight the benefits of Carpenter’s Stainless steel powder offerings (unique chemistries, processing parameters) for additive manufacturing of next generation medical devices.
Meet the Speakers
Gaurav Lalwani, PhD, Medical Global Applications Engineering Lead
Dr. Gaurav Lalwani is the Global Applications Engineering lead at Carpenter Technology Corporation for Medical markets. He received his MS and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Stony Brook University with a focus on materials science, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Dr. Lalwani manages the overall technology portfolio and new product development strategy for Carpenter's Medical business unit and is currently engaged in the development of novel wrought and additive solutions for the medical device industry.
Prior to joining Carpenter Technology, Dr. Lalwani was the co-founder of Millennial Material & Devices and VP of Research for Theragnostic Technologies Inc. - seed stage biomedical startups focused on commercializing carbon based nanomaterials for regenerative medicine, bioimaging and high-fidelity purification applications.
Dr. Lalwani is the winner of Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge, ‘DARE-to-RISK’ regional business plan competition and a New York Business Plan Competition 2015 finalist. Dr. Lalwani has also authored >25 peer-reviewed publications in top scientific journals, 4 book chapters and holds 3 US patent awards. Dr. Lalwani holds a keen interest in promoting inclusive education and food safety by supporting & advising organizations focused on social entrepreneurship.
Raymond DeFrain, Regional Metallurgist for Carpenter Technology
Ray DeFrain is a field metallurgist with Carpenter Technology and has a passion for developing customer solutions, both on a day-to-day basis and as part of a product or process development project. With a Bachelor’s in Physics, Master’s in Material Science, and trained as a metallurgist, Ray has a unique 14 year background in bar, wire, and strip products across Carpenter Technology's entire alloy portfolio as well as leadership in project management on multimillion dollar development projects throughout the years. Working direct with medical contract manufacturers, OEMs, and tiered suppliers, Ray continues to support the medical market as a subject matter expert in materials and processes throughout the industry – working together to improve patient outcomes.
