Corrosion, fatigue and wear of additively manufactured Ti alloys for orthopaedic implants

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) allows for the fabrication of custom orthopaedic implant devices which have complex geometries and similar mechanical properties to bone. This paper reviews the corrosion, fatigue and wear properties of AM Ti alloys to confirm their safety for use in orthopaedic implants. Specifically, AM Ti lattice geometries are highlighted due to their improved osseointegration and better modulus matching with that of bone, making them an attractive option for more durable implant devices. Finally, the properties of current implants made via AM are compared with that made via conventional manufacturing methods to confirm their overall safety.