AbstractA promising use of metallic alloys such as stainless steels, Cr-Co-Mo alloys, and titanium alloys coated with ceramics such as alumina or hydroxyapatite is in biomaterial applications. This procedure can lead to a good combination of properties: corrosion and wear resistance and beneficial bioreactivity from the coating, together with the necessary high yield strength and toughness of the metallic substrates. Results of wear tests on AISI 316L stainless steel, with and without alumina coatings, are presented. The adhesion of the coatings has also been evaluated.