Additive manufacturing of magnesium alloys

Authors

Rakeshkumar Karunakaran, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Sam Ortgies, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Ali Tamayol, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Florin Bobaru, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow
Michael P. Sealy, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2020

Citation

Bioactive Materials 5 (2020) 44–54

Comments

© 2020 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.

Open access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2019.12.004

Abstract

Magnesium alloys are a promising new class of degradable biomaterials that have a similar stiffness to bone, which minimizes the harmful effects of stress shielding. Use of biodegradable magnesium implants eliminates the need for a second surgery for repair or removal. There is a growing interest to capitalize on additive manufacturing's unique design capabilities to advance the frontiers of medicine. However, magnesium alloys are difficult to 3D print due to the high chemical reactivity that poses a combustion risk. Furthermore, the low vaporization temperature of magnesium and common biocompatible alloying elements further increases the difficulty to print fully dense structures that balance strength and corrosion requirements. The purpose of this study is to survey current techniques to 3D print magnesium constructs and provide guidance on best additive practices for these alloys.