On the Role of Microstructure and Defects in the Room and High-Temperature Tensile Behavior of the PBF-LB A357 (AlSi7Mg) Alloy in As-Built and Peak-Aged Conditions.

Additive processes like Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) result in a distinctive microstructure characterized by metastability, supersaturation, and finesse. Post-process heat treatments modify microstructural features and tune mechanical behavior. However, the exposition at high temperatures can induce changes in the microstructure.

Mechanical interaction between additive-manufactured metal lattice structures and bone in compression: implications for stress shielding of orthopaedic implants.

One of the main biomechanical causes for aseptic failure of orthopaedic implants is the stress shielding. This is caused by an uneven load distribution across the bone normally due to a stiff metal prosthesis component, leading to periprosthetic bone resorption and to implant loosening. To reduce the stress shielding and to improve osseointegration, biocompatible porous structures suitable for orthopaedic applications have been developed.

Mechanical and in vitro biological properties of uniform and graded Cobalt-chrome lattice structures in orthopedic implants.

Human bones are biological examples of functionally graded lattice capable to withstand large in vivo loading and allowing optimal stress distribution. Disruption of bone integrity may require biocompatible implants capable to restore the original bone structure and properties. This study aimed at comparing mechanical properties and biological behavior in vitro of uniform (POR-FIX) and graded (POR-VAR) Cobalt-chrome alloy lattice structures manufactured via Selective Laser Melting.

CoCr porous scaffolds manufactured via selective laser melting in orthopedics: Topographical, mechanical, and biological characterization.

Over the last decade, advances in additive manufacturing have allowed to obtain complex 3D porous lattice in materials suitable for orthopedic applications. Whereas 3D-melted titanium alloys have been extensively investigated, little is the current knowledge on the feasibility of bone-replicating CoCr porous scaffolds manufactured via selective laser melting (SLM). Moreover, the effect of topography on bone cells viability and proliferation has not been fully explored yet.

New comprehensive procedure for custom-made total ankle replacements: Medical imaging, joint modeling, prosthesis design, and 3D printing.

Many failures in total joint replacement are associated to prosthesis-to-bone mismatch. With recent additive-manufacturing, that is, 3D-printing, custom-made prosthesis can be created by laser-melting metal powders layer-by-layer. Ankle replacement is particularly suitable for this progress because of the limited number of sizes and the poor bone stock.