| Abstract Scope |
Ti64 is one of the optimal materials used for producing hip implants and additive manufacturing (AM) can facilitate the production of such patient-specific medical devices, providing precision-fitting and reducing post-operative problems. Metal AM, however, is expensive and in-silico testing is increasingly used as a cost-effective and time saving alternative to physical experiments, helping to print-first-time-right. Our proposition is hence the development of an innovative finite-element modelling framework in which the geometry of the Ti-based implant is topologically optimized first to achieve light-weighting. This work will then explore the effect of processing parameters and build setup on the stress and distortion generated during the AM process, as well as the possibility of build failure. We will finally explore an AM digitalization strategy in which using a data management platform can help in capturing, structuring and then capitalizing on the vast amount of material and process data generated in the AM process. |