A new scanning electrochemical microscopy tip positioning method that allows topography and surface activity to be resolved independently is presented. A SECM tip is oscillated relative to the surface of interest. Changes in the oscillation amplitude, caused by the intermittent contact of the SECM tip with the surface of interest, are used to detect the surface of interest, and as a feedback signal for various types of imaging.

A method of forming an implant having a porous tissue ingrowth structure and a bearing support structure. The method includes depositing a first layer of a metal powder onto a substrate, scanning a laser beam over the powder so as to sinter the metal powder at predetermined locations, depositing at least one layer of the metal powder onto the first layer and repeating the scanning of the laser beam.

A method of forming an implant having a porous tissue ingrowth structure and a bearing support structure. The method includes depositing a first layer of a metal powder onto a substrate, scanning a laser beam over the powder so as to sinter the metal powder at predetermined locations, depositing at least one layer of the metal powder onto the first layer and repeating the scanning of the laser beam.

A tool bit with a surface layer metallurgically bonded on a substrate layer using electrospark deposition (ESD) that allows the tool bit to reduce camout and engage a fastener head for one-handed starting and removal. The surface layer has a rougher finish, compared to conventional tool bits, and therefore better grips engagement surfaces of a mating recess of the fastener during use. The reduction of camout provides greater durability to the tool bit and resists erosion and wear of the engagement surfaces of the fastener.

A tool bit with a surface layer metallurgically bonded on a substrate layer using electrospark deposition (ESD) that allows the tool bit to reduce camout and engage a fastener head for one-handed starting and removal. The surface layer has a rougher finish, compared to conventional tool bits, and therefore better grips engagement surfaces of a mating recess of the fastener during use. The reduction of camout provides greater durability to the tool bit and resists erosion and wear of the engagement surfaces of the fastener.

A method of forming a wear resistant and galling resistant coating for abrasive environments and a feed material for the method are disclosed. The feed material is for forming a wear resistant and galling resistant coating on a substrate by a welding process that heats the feed and the substrate. The feed material comprises 35 to 50 wt % titanium nitride particles and a balance of commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy particles and incidental impurities. The method involves delivering the feed material to a surface of a substrate and exposing the feed material and the substrate to sufficient energy to cause at least the commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy particles in the feed to melt and at least some of the titanium nitride particles in the feed to melt, thereby forming a melt pool. On solidification of the melt pool, at least some of the titanium nitride particles are embedded in a matrix formed from melt pool, thereby forming a wear resistant and galling resistant coating on the substrate. A wear resistant and galling resistant coating formed of the feed material is also disclosed.

A method of forming a wear resistant and galling resistant coating for abrasive environments and a feed material for the method are disclosed. The feed material is for forming a wear resistant and galling resistant coating on a substrate by a welding process that heats the feed and the substrate. The feed material comprises 35 to 50 wt % titanium nitride particles and a balance of commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy particles and incidental impurities. The method involves delivering the feed material to a surface of a substrate and exposing the feed material and the substrate to sufficient energy to cause at least the commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy particles in the feed to melt and at least some of the titanium nitride particles in the feed to melt, thereby forming a melt pool. On solidification of the melt pool, at least some of the titanium nitride particles are embedded in a matrix formed from melt pool, thereby forming a wear resistant and galling resistant coating on the substrate. A wear resistant and galling resistant coating formed of the feed material is also disclosed.

A method of forming an implant having a porous tissue ingrowth structure and a bearing support structure. The method includes depositing a first layer of a metal powder onto a substrate, scanning a laser beam over the powder so as to sinter the metal powder at predetermined locations, depositing at least one layer of the metal powder onto the first layer and repeating the scanning of the laser beam.

A method of forming an implant having a porous tissue ingrowth structure and a bearing support structure. The method includes depositing a first layer of a metal powder onto a substrate, scanning a laser beam over the powder so as to sinter the metal powder at predetermined locations, depositing at least one layer of the metal powder onto the first layer and repeating the scanning of the laser beam.

Compositions and methods for depositing improved zirconium oxide conversion coatings, as well as compositions capable of depositing an adherent zirconium oxide conversion coating on a substrate in the absence of prior cleaning are provided.