Patent ID: 9017590
Filing Date: 2015-04-28
Classification: A61F,A61L,B29C,B29K,C08F

Abstract:
1. A method of making a bearing component made of UHMWPE, having enhanced strength in a load bearing direction suitable for use in a medical implant comprising radiation crosslinking a UHMWPE; preheating the crosslinked UHMWPE to a temperature above 80° C. and below its melting point; solid-state-extruding the UHMWPE at a draw ratio of greater than 1; cooling the extruded UHMWPE to a solidification temperature; annealing the cooled UHMWPE at a temperature above 100° C. and below the melting point; and machining the component from the annealed UHMWPE, wherein the component has a load bearing axis parallel to an axial direction of the annealed UHMWPE.