Review of 3D-Printed Titanium-Based Implants: Materials and Post-Processing

Abstract

Implants are essential in medical treatments, as they offer restored function, quality of life enhancement, and long-term solutions. The global demand for implants is increasing due to the aging population, medical innovation, and improved medical payment capacity. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has revolutionized the fabrication of implants due to its ability to produce complex geometries and customizable designs. The superior biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties of titanium (Ti) and its alloys make them ideal and common for orthopedic and dental implants. Materials are the basis of 3D-printed implants. Ti-based materials for 3D printing are summarized, including commercial pure titanium, binary Ti alloys, ternary Ti alloys, quaternary Ti alloys, and multicomponent Ti alloys. Post-processing is necessary to ensure the desired performance of 3D-printed implants. Post-processing methods for 3D-printed implants are reviewed from the perspective of improving the performance of the mechanical property, osseointegrative property, antibacterial property, and multiple properties. In this review, the published literatures related to the materials and post-processing of 3D-printed Ti-based implants are collected and discussed. The current challenges and future trends are also analyzed. It is expected to provide a basis for the application of 3D-printed Ti-based implants.