Abstract
Selective laser melting (SLM) has previously been shown to be a viable method for fabricating biomedical implants; however, the surface chemistry of SLM fabricated parts is poorly understood. In this study, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the surface chemistries of (a) SLM as-fabricated (SLM-AF) Ti6Al4V and (b) SLM fabricated and mechanically polished (SLM-MP) Ti6Al4V samples and compared with (c) traditionally manufactured (forged) and mechanically polished Ti6Al4V samples. The SLM–AF surface was observed to be porous with an average surface roughness (Ra) of 17.6±3.7μm. The surface chemistry of the SLM-AF was significantly different to the FGD-MP surface with respect to elemental distribution and their existence on the outermost surface. Sintered particles on the SLM-AF surface were observed to affect depth profiling of the sample due to a shadowing effect during argon ion sputtering. Surface heterogeneity was observed for all three surfaces; however, vanadium was witnessed only on the mechanically polished (SLM-MP and FGD-MP) surfaces. The direct and indirect 3T3 cell cytotoxicity studies revealed that the cells were viable on the SLM fabricated Ti6Al4V parts. The varied surface chemistry of the SLM-AF and SLM-MP did not influence the cell behaviour.
Highlights
Additive manufacturing (AM) is attractive for fabricating biomedical implants due to its ability to fabricate customised parts with complex shapes [1]
The presence of partially melted particles on the part surface is inevitable in Selective laser melting (SLM), with the magnitude of this problem being dependent on both material and process parameters
As noted in previous literature, the rough nature of the SLM as-fabricated (SLM-AF) surface is due to the partial sintering of particles [29]
Summary
Additive manufacturing (AM) is attractive for fabricating biomedical implants due to its ability to fabricate customised parts with complex shapes [1]. SLM has the ability to produce complex parts with desirable shape and structure and has the advantage of establishing a closed process chain from scanning a damaged part of the body to design and manufacture. Bone replacement parts can be fabricated by scanning the bone defect using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT), designing the implant structure, directly manufacturing the individual implant. This closed process chain has the potential to offer custom-fitting implants designed and produced for the damaged part's anatomy. The freedom of design offered by this technology enables the fabrication of implants with complex geometries, in terms of both external and internal morphology [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
