As a traditional processing method, powder metallurgy has the advantages of low cost and simple process in the process of preparing porous metals, but the sintering time is short, it is difficult to control the solidification rate and the size of porosity, so it is difficult to prepare porous structures with uniform pore size and porosity, and it is difficult to obtain porous metal parts with complex shapes. In recent years, with the continuous development of additive manufacturing technology, there have been more new attempts of porous medical metal implants. Compared with traditional powder metallurgy processing methods, additive manufacturing is accurate for the manufacture of complex products with porous shapes and hollow structures; Reduces production costs (mouldless manufacturing) and speeds time to market for high-value components; Additive manufacturing process, greatly reduce material waste, small pollution; Flexible manufacturing, high degree of personalized customization. The metals currently used for additive manufacturing of porous implants are mainly titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, and tantalum metals. Among them, titanium alloy as a relatively mature material is mainly used in the manufacture of acetabular cups, porous scaffolds and other implant products. Tantalum metal can be used to make bionic bone trabecular porous scaffolders.
Although the use of metal niobium or titanium niobium alloy for porous implant 3D printing research is still relatively rare, but with the development of additive manufacturing technology and equipment, in-depth research on the mechanism of the manufacturing process, as well as the continuous decline in the cost of metal niobium and other factors, the application of additive manufacturing niobium metal porous implants will gradually develop. The excellent mechanical properties and cellular activity of niobium can be fully utilized.Br>
Niobium has been applied in many medical segments due to its excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, as a supplement to pure titanium or a substitute for toxic elements in titanium alloys to improve the mechanical and chemical properties of biological materials and improve biocompatibility. As a new type of porous medical metal implant material, it has strong development potential and application value.
