Design of a Ti-6Al-4V functionally graded network structure and its compression properties

The porous Ti-6Al-4V structure with high porosity is produced by electron beam selective melting, which is intended to replace human cancellous bone. The open mesh structure can provide space for the in-growth of bone tissue that it can play a better role in fixing. A computer aided design (CAD) was used to prepare a functionally graded network with low density (0.78 g/cm³), high porosity (82%) and elastic modulus of 2.7 GPa. The results show that this structure has a modulus of elasticity which is similar to the cancellous bone compared with the dense part. It can effectively avoid the stress shielding effect. In addition, by increasing the thickness between the layers, it is possible to effectively prevent cracks from rapidly expanding in the mesh structure and improve safety. The yield strength of this structure is 62 MPa. The fine α' phase in the microstructure of the sample is beneficial to improve the life of the implant.