Title:Research Progress of Selective Laser Melting Forming Medical Implants
Volume: 19
Issue: 6
Author(s): Bingwei Gao*, Zhixin Sun, Hongtao Yu, Liqing Peng and Hongjian Zhao
Affiliation:
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
Keywords:
Medical implants, selective laser melting, porous structure, osteogenic properties, mechanical properties, titanium.
Abstract: Selective laser melting technology has the advantages of rapid manufacture, high precision,
and the ability to produce fine structures. Medical implants made using selective laser melting
technology have high precision and excellent mechanical properties that meet the needs of patients
and make medical implants more promising in the medical field. This paper reviews the
progress of research on selective laser melting of medical implants. This paper draws on numerous
journals and patents. This paper firstly reviews the classification of medical implants, mainly
including hip implants, knee implants, maxillo-craniofacial implants and spinal implants. Secondly,
the common porous structure design methods, the effect of porous structure on the mechanical
properties of the implant, and the effect of pore structure on the growth properties of porous titanium
alloy bone are summarised. Finally, the process of manufacturing titanium alloy implants by
selective laser melting technology is described. Medical implants made by selective laser melting
have excellent properties and are widely used in the medical field. Compared to traditional mechanical
processing methods, selective laser melting technology can better preserve the properties
of the raw material, while providing higher precision and faster preparation. However, selective
laser melting has a number of drawbacks, including differences in material microstructure, reduced
strength and plasticity, inadequate surface treatment, and enhanced safety and reliability.
Further scientific research and technological innovation are needed to solve these problems. In the
future, as technology continues to innovate and develop, SLM technology will become more mature,
resulting in implants that are more natural, suitable for the body and long-lasting. At the
same time, as implants are personalised, there will be a huge market demand and development
opportunities. In addition, the continuous improvement of regulatory policies is expected to further
promote the market development and application of medical implants.