Finite Element Analysis to Predict the Mechanical Behavior of Lattice Structures Made by Selective Laser Melting Technology

Abstract

Within this article, there are presented a series of researches that are related to the field of customized medical implants made by Additive Manufacturing techniques, such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology. Lattice structures are required in this case for a better osteointegration of the medical implant in the contact area of the bone. But the consequence of using such structures is important also by the mechanical resistance point of view. The shape and size of the cells that are connected within the lattice structure to be manufactured by SLM is critical in this case. There are also few limitations related to the possibilities and performances of the SLM equipment, as well. This is the reason why, several types of lattice structures were designed as having different geometric features, with the aim of analyzing by using finite element method, how the admissible stress and strain will be varied in these cases and what would be the optimum size and shape of the cells that confers the optimum mechanical behavior of lattice structures used within the SLM process of the customized medical implant manufactured from titanium-alloyed materials.

Applications of the Selective Laser Melting Technology in the Industrial and Medical Fields

“…The recent researches developed in the bio-medical field proved the high interest that exists in this field regarding the possibilities of manufacturing customized medical implants using Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods, such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Electron Beam Melting (EBM) [18][19][20][21][22]. These types of AM methods allow the manufacturing of fully dense metallic parts with complex geometrical shape, starting from a 3D model realized with a computer aided design (CAD) program and exported in an "*.stl" format [23].…”

Theoretical Research for Determining the Static and Dynamic Rigidity of the Machines before Drafting the Remanufacturing Project

“…Their free vibrations are generally complex, non-harmonic movements.In certain initial conditions, the dynamic system can set up free harmonic vibrations, with the  pulse of the input measure, on a single frequency each. The synchronous oscillation frequency together with the movement amplitude vector of the freedom degrees on this frequency forms its own mode of vibration [3].…”

Approach for Obtaining Broken Plastic Parts Using Reverse Engineering Tools

“…A 3D model can be easily used for CAE analysis even for forward nonconventional machining operation, e.g. Selective Laser Melting Technology, in order to establish accuracy or mechanical behaviour of parts [4] [5].…”