Low stiffness porous Ti structures for load-bearing implants

The need for unique mechanical and functional properties coupled with manufacturing flexibility for a wide range of metallic implant materials necessitates the use of novel design and fabrication approaches. In this work, we have demonstrated that application of proposed design concepts in combination with laser-engineered net shaping (LENS') can significantly increase the processing flexibility of complex-shaped metallic implants with three-dimensionally interconnected, designed and functionally graded porosities down to 70 vol.%, to reduce effective stiffness for load-bearing implants. Young's modulus and 0.2% proof strength of these porous Ti samples having 35-42 vol.% porosity are found to be similar to those of human cortical bone. (C) 2007 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.