Complex shaped functionally graded alumina and zirconia based femoral ball-heads for biomedical applications were shaped by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). A composition gradient in alumina and zirconia was engineered to obtain a pure alumina surface region and a homogeneous alumina/zirconia core with intermediate continuously graded regions to generate appropriate thermal residual stresses after sintering. The gradient profiles were designed to obtain maximum compressive surface stresses and minimal tensile stresses in the core of the component to increase the strength and wear properties when compared to pure alumina components.