Development of bone adapted 3D printed Ti6Al4V scaffold via unit optimization and acid etching -MAO double treatment

Abstract

To improve the performance of the 3D printed Ti6Al4V scaffold, its unit geometrical cues were optimized by parametric modeling method and its surface was modified using acid etching (AC) and micro-arc oxidation (MAO) based two-step treatment. A bone elastic modulus-matched unit was generated via simulation. The as-optimized unit was applied to fabricate the Ti6Al4V scaffold using 3D printing, followed by AC and MAO to eliminate un-melted Ti6Al4V powders and generate osteoblast cells favored porous surface. Key process parameters and their impacts on surface characteristics were investigated. It is concluded using units parameterized at 90°angle, square shape, 0.7 mm diameter, 0.9 mm spacing as bricks and AC-MAO for post-fabrication treatment can generate bone-adapted 3D printed Ti6Al4V scaffold for orthopedic application.