| Abstract Scope |
This talk reviews methods based on selective densification of powders by laser or e-beam melting, as well as sintering of printed 2D or 3D structures, to create periodic lattice/reticulated titanium structures for permanent skeletal implants. Other methods based on space-holders to create elongated pores in Ti will be discussed: (i) freeze casting of Ti powders followed by ice sublimation and powder sintering and (ii) embedding of fine steel wires in titanium followed by electro-dissolution, to create a network of micro-channels. Finally, the applicability of these methods to shape-memory NiTi will be addressed. |