Additive Manufacturing: An Opportunity for the Fabrication of Near-Net-Shape NiTi Implants

Nickel–titanium (NiTi) is a shape-memory alloy, type of material whose name derived from its ability to recover original shape upon heating certain temperature. NiTi falls under the umbrella metallic materials, offering high superelasticity, acceptable corrosion resistance, relatively low elastic modulus, and desirable biocompatibility. There are several challenges regarding processing machinability NiTi, originating ductility reactivity. Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, promising candidate for solving problems in fabrication near-net-shape biomaterials with controlled porosity. Powder-bed fusion directed energy deposition AM approaches employed produce synthetic implants. A short summary principles pros cons these provided. The influence operating parameters, which can change microstructural features, including porosity content orientation crystals, on mechanical properties addressed. Surface-modification techniques recommended suppressing Ni ion leaching surface AM-fabricated technical challenge faced by long-term vivo application NiTi.