Selective Laser Melting of a Ti-6Al-4V Spinal Cage: Dimensional Fidelity, Surface Morphology, and Hardness Characterization

Khajeh-Amiri, Alireza; Yarahmadi, Yunes; Ghazi Mirsaeid, Seyed Shahab; Mortezaei-Semnani, Hoorshad; Ashkani, Omid

Selective Laser Melting of a Ti-6Al-4V Spinal Cage: Dimensional Fidelity, Surface Morphology, and Hardness Characterization

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Alireza Khajeh-Amiri ¹

Yunes Yarahmadi ²

Seyed Shahab Ghazi Mirsaeid ³

Hoorshad Mortezaei-Semnani ⁴

Omid Ashkani ⁴

¹ Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Biomaterials and Medicinal Chemistry Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kerman University, Kerman, Iran.

³ Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

⁴ Department of Materials Engineering, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Selective laser melting (SLM) technology is an important additive manufacturing method for producing various components, including dental implants, spinal cages, and hip joint components, without the need for conventional molds. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of fabricating a Ti-6Al-4V spinal cage using the SLM method.
Methods: In this study, a spinal cage made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was designed and fabricated using an SLM machine with a 300 W fiber laser. Dimensional measurements, surface and microstructural analyses using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy, and hardness testing using the Vickers method were performed to evaluate the fabricated sample.
Results: The results revealed no observable porosity or cavities within the examined regions, while a characteristic layered structure associated with the SLM process was observed. The measured hardness values ranged from 339 to 344 HV, indicating relatively uniform hardness within the examined regions.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings demonstrate the feasibility of SLM for manufacturing a Ti-6Al-4V spinal cage, highlighting its potential for producing geometrically complex biomedical components.

Keywords

Spinal cage

Selective laser melting (SLM)

Additive manufacturing