An overview of selective laser sintering 3D printing technology for biomedical and sports device applications: Processes, materials, and applications

Abstract

Over the past couple of years, 3D printing has emerged as an increasingly powerful manufacturing platform in medical engineering. These technologies have greatly enhanced our ability to create a range of complex and customized biomedical products with high precision by layering materials, biomolecules, and even living cells. This method is cost-effective and highly reproducible. However, despite significant progress made in 3D printing for medical engineering, further research is required to develop innovative applications. Specific technological advancements such as digital light processing (DLP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and selective laser sintering (SLS) have greatly improved the quality of biomedical products created through 3D printing. Nevertheless, several challenges persist in 3D printing processes, materials, and programs, which need to be addressed to make high-quality products accessible to a larger population. In the field of dentistry, the use of 3D metal printers has become increasingly prevalent for manufacturing various dental components, such as artificial teeth, dental substructures, restorations, and implants. These components are created using high-quality materials, including titanium and cobalt-chrome, which offer exceptional mechanical strength and the ability to be shaped accurately according to desired specifications. Similarly, 3D metal printing technology has found its applications in orthopedics, where biocompatible materials like titanium and aluminum-vanadium alloys are utilized to produce screws, plates, wires, and implants. These materials exhibit remarkable durability, low reflectivity, and improved surface properties, making them well-suited for use in the human body. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in 3D printing, encompassing technologies, materials, cells, and applications in the field of biomedicine. It highlights the need for integration across disciplines such as physics, materials science, engineering, life sciences, and medicine.