The fabrication of titanium alloy biomedical implants using additive manufacturing: a way forward

Abstract

A biomedical implant is a man-made transplanted device used to replace missing life structures and support damaged biological hard tissue. The primary goal of these structures is to preserve the anatomical fixation of the human body. Currently, advanced titanium alloys occupy almost half of the market share of implant products however, they still pose concerns such as decreasing osteogenesis during application. This paper presents a review of the role of additive manufacturing (AM) in providing innovative methods for fabricating metallic alloys toward Industrial Revolution 4.0. Initially, an overview of biomedical implants is discussed, followed by an examination of the ability of titanium alloys produced using AM methods. Mechanical properties and other issues relating to the functional application of these biomedical implants are promptly discovered. Further, the effect of bone-implant contact between implants and tissues, which can lead to failure, while advanced methods to improve osteointegration through surface modification of the AM fabricated titanium alloys are also scrutinised.