Selective laser melting of magnesium alloys for biomedical applications: Microstructure to clinical translation

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has emerged as a competitive additive manufacturing (AM) technique for producing magnesium (Mg) alloy implants with complicated shapes intended for biomedical usages. Mg alloys are appealing because of their biodegradability and durability, which are comparable to those of real bone. However, a rapid solidification in SLM creates issues in regulating the grain system, pores, and cracking, all of which considerably affect the strength and corrosion performances of the final components. This review highlights recent progress in clarifying the connections among processing settings, microstructural features, and their effects on biological elements. In vitro and in vivo studies are crucial for assessing the degradation behaviour, cytocompatibility, and biological reaction of SLM-Mg alloys in physiological environments. It also examines defect mitigation strategies and post-processing treatments. Future directions include the establishment of strategies to enhance alloy systems, the optimisation of process monitoring, and the implementation of improved characterisation techniques to enhance the clinical translation of SLM Mg-based implants.