Emerging Horizons in Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing of Titanium Alloys and Composites for Biomedical...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Titanium (Ti)-based materials are increasingly vital for biomedical applications due to their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
• Advancements in manufacturing are essential to tailor Ti alloys and composites for specific medical uses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively examine the advancements in titanium alloys and composites for biomedical applications.
• To review prominent laser-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes used in synthesizing these materials.

Main Methods:

• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
• Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
• Laser-Engineered Net Shaping (LENS)

Main Results:

• Detailed review of four key laser-based AM methods: SLS, SLM, DMLS, and LENS.
• Elucidation of how these AM systems are utilized in the synthesis of Ti alloys and composites.
• Identification of critical areas requiring further investigation to improve Ti-based biomaterials.

Conclusions:

• Laser-based AM offers significant potential for developing advanced Ti-based materials for biomedical applications.
• Further research is needed to optimize AM processes and material properties for enhanced performance in the biomedical field.