Microstructure and mechanical properties of open cellular Ti-6Al-4V prototypes fabricated by electron beam melting for biomedical applications

摘要

Titanium and titanium alloys with open cellular structures and foams possess low Young's modulus matching to human bone and the capability to provide space for bone tissue ingrowth to reach a better fixation, which have been thought as a good choice for the replacement of commercial dense implants. However, currently developed fabrication methods of titanium cellular alloys, such as powder sintering, reveal shortcomings like the low porosity and poor control over the size, shape and distribution of the pores. Recently, additive manufacturing using the electron beam melting method has been applied successfully to fabricate titanium cellular meshes and foams. Compared to other reported methods, this technique has the advantages of accurate control of internal pore architectures and complex cell shapes. In the present paper, the authors briefly review the fabrication, Young's modulus, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V cellular structures fabricated by electron beam melting techniques, along with future development trends.