A Comparative Study on Selective Laser Melting and Electron Beam Melting Process for Orthopedic Implants

Abstract

Selective laser melting and electron beam melting are two metal additive manufacturing processes which gained considerable attention in the recent years. These techniques allow large degree of freedom in design such that complicated geometries can be manufactured with higher accuracy and efficient use of materials. Due to its versatility, these processes find wide applications in aerospace and biomedical industry. In this review article, a comparison of both the processes with emphasis on orthopedic implants has been carried out. The comparison is made based on titanium alloy, Ti6Al4V, which is the work horse material for manufacturing orthopedic implants. Focus is given on the microstructural and mechanical property differences and how these differences influence the oseointegration and long term performance of the implants.