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The aim of this paper is to assess the current status of processing Biodegradable metals (BDM) via selective laser melting (SLM), with particular emphasis on bone scaffold applications, and provide a meta-analysis on the effect of processing parameters on relative density to better direct recommendations for the future of this growing field. Synthetic bone scaffolds are becoming a popular alternative for the treatment of critical bone defects that cannot heal without surgical intervention.These scaffolds act as a bridge allowing bone to grow across the gap. Selective laser melting can achieve bone scaffolds with complex hierarchical architecture tailored specifically to the patient. SLM manufactured titanium scaffolds have already been clinically tested with some success. Permanent titanium alloys have a higher chance of implant rejection from the innate immune reaction, coupled with complications linked to the high mismatch in stiffness between the implant and the bone. Biodegradable metals can overcome these problems by maintaining sufficient mechanical properties for load-bearing applications during healing and eventually

Laser based additive manufacturing (AM) processes such as laser metal deposition (LMD) and selective laser melting (SLM) can produce patient-specific implants with minimal post-processing and shorter lead times compared to conventional manufacturing methods. In this study the microstructural, mechanical and corrosion properties of cast, LMD and SLM manufactured pure Fe