Abstract
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the promising processes for rapid production of complex shaped parts. This paper investigates the characteristics of multi-layered compacts made by selective laser sintering using Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-7Nb powders toward fabrication of porous bone substitutes. The relative density and tensile strength were improved by optimizing the laser forming parameters. As a result, the maximum tensile strength was 550 MPa, 580 MPa for Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb compacts, respectively. In addition, although the linear laser irradiated section was not continuous due to the surface tension, it was possible to form the linear section by first low laser power irradiation (presintering) followed by second high laser power irradiation. Finally, density and compressive strength of the honey comb structure via this process were approximately similar to those of human bones.
