Tribological behaviour of 3D printed titanium alloys for medical implant applications

Additive manufacturing (AM), specifically three-dimensional (3D) printing, has revolutionized medical implant production by offering unparalleled design versatility and personalization. Titanium alloys are preferred for these implants due to their outstanding mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. As implants like hip joints endure constant motion, evaluating their tribological behavior is vital for ensuring long-term performance and reliability. This review summarizes current insights into the tribological (including biocorrosion) characteristics of 3D-printed titanium alloys in biomedical contexts. It explores key factors influencing tribological performance, such as microstructure, surface quality, alloy composition, and printing parameters. A thorough understanding of these factors is critical for rational design and functionality of robust medical implants.