Microstructure, Porosity, and Bending Fatigue Behaviour of PBF-LB/M SS316L for Biomedical Applications

Microstructure, Porosity, and Bending Fatigue Behaviour of PBF-LB/M SS316L for Biomedical Applications

Bending fatigue significantly affects the mechanical stability and lifespan of biomedical implants, such as bone plates and orthopaedic fixation devices, which undergo cyclic loading in the human body. This study examines the microstructure, porosity, and bending fatigue properties of PBF-LB/M SS316...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Conall Kirk, Weijie Xie, Shubhangi Das, Ben Ferguson, Chenliang Wu, Hau-Chung Man, Chi-Wai Chan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Metals
Subjects:
laser powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M)
additive manufacturing
biomedical implants
bending fatigue
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/15/6/650
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Bending fatigue significantly affects the mechanical stability and lifespan of biomedical implants, such as bone plates and orthopaedic fixation devices, which undergo cyclic loading in the human body. This study examines the microstructure, porosity, and bending fatigue properties of PBF-LB/M SS316L. Samples were analysed across three faces (top, front, and side) using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe microstructural features and porosity. Elemental composition was measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Phase structures and grain orientations were characterised via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Four-point bending fatigue tests, conducted under two loading conditions, below and slightly above the yield point, demonstrated that defects inherent to the PBF-LB/M process, particularly micropores and unmelted powder particles, strongly influence fatigue crack initiation. Real-time monitoring of crack initiation and propagation on the external sample surface was performed using a high-speed digital microscope. These findings indicate the influence of microstructural defects on fatigue performance in PBF-LB/M SS316L, supporting the design and development of more reliable patient-specific biomedical implants.
ISSN:2075-4701

Similar Items