Investigation of additive manufacturing of porous Ti-6Al-4V alloy: Geometry analysis for dental applications

This research is dedicated to reviewing porous titanium alloy structures suitable for biomedical applications. The mechanical properties of porous samples with different structures and porosity were reviewed through a static compression test to identify the type of suitable structure. In addition, high porosity is desirable due to the growth of bone tissue in the internal microstructure of the porous bony implant. Samples are normally fabricated made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy and stainless steel using selective laser melting (SLM) as an additive manufacturing process. The samples were prepared with a pore size (200, 400, and 600 µm) and cubic and trabecular topology. The actual weight of all samples was determined, which is important in identifying other characteristics. All the tested samples reached the optimal values of maximum stress and tensile strength. The most appropriate mechanical properties were observed for samples with a pore diameter of 200 μm and a cubic structure. The implants with porosity, pore size, and pore interconnectivity affect the differentiation of bone tissue.