Additive manufacturing of titanium alloys in the biomedical field: processes, properties and applications

Abstract

The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of titanium alloy medical devices and implants produced by additive manufacturing (AM) technologies - in particular, selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM) and laser metal deposition (LMD) - have been investigated by several researchers demonstrating how these innovative processes are able to fulfil medical requirements for clinical applications. This work reviews the advantages given by these technologies, which include the possibility to create porous complex structures to improve osseointegration and mechanical properties (best match with the modulus of elasticity of local bone), to lower processing costs, to produce custom-made implants according to the data for the patient acquired via computed tomography and to reduce waste.

Development and Characterisation of Aluminium Matrix Nanocomposites AlSi10Mg/MgAl2O4 by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

“…Many specific technologies exist in the AM family, among which powder bed fusion (standard term according to ISO/ASTM52900-15) assume particular interest. Generally, powder bed AM techniques are widely used to produce components made of Ti-alloys, Ni-based alloys, Fe-based alloys, Co-based alloys, intermetallics, as well as Al-based alloys [1][2][3][4]. Among this family of AM technologies, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process works on the principle of spreading a layer of loose powder and then melting it through a focused laser beam in definite positions, determined by a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) data.…”

Tribological and Wear Behavior of Metal Alloys Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)

“…The titanium alloy Ti 6 Al 4 V (the most popular titanium alloy) has been widely used in various industrial applications due to its mechanical and physical properties. Beyond the biomedical field, Ti 6 Al 4 V has been commonly employed in producing aircraft engine airframe parts owing to its high strength to mass ratio and good performance at high temperature (up to 400-500°C) [23][24].…”

3D-gedruckte patientenspezifische Silikon-Stents: Nachbeobachtung nach 1 Jahr bei 2 Patienten

“…Seit das Verfahren der additiven Fertigung Einzug in die Medizin gehalten hat, eröffnen patientenspezifische Implantate, die aus 3D-gedruckten Formen hergestellt werden, neue Perspektiven für das Atemwegsmanagement [11,12,13]. Die FDA hat die Bedeutung dieses Verfahrens bereits anerkannt und kürzlich Leitlinien zum 3D-Druck von Medizinprodukten herausgegeben [14].…”