Progress in selective laser melting equipment, related biomedical metallic materials and applications

This paper introduces the latest achievements of the South China University of Technology in basic research on selective laser melting (SLM), applications of SLM manufacturing equipment, and biomedical metallic materials manufactured by SLM. First, we describe the use of DiMetal-100 equipment to study the process parameters, microstructure, and mechanical properties of three kinds of metal medical materials manufactured by SLM, including 316L stainless steel, CoCrMo, and Ti6Al4V. Second, we describe the application of 316L stainless steel manufactured by SLM to personalized lingual orthodontic brackets and surgical guide plates, the application of CoCrMo manufactured by SLM to knee prostheses and dental crowns and bridges, and the research results of Ti6Al4V manufactured by SLM in the treatment of pelvic fracture bone plates and personalized cranial prostheses. Finally, we introduce the development directions and research plans for SLM technology at the South China University of Technology, including the manufacture of a new porous structure by SLM directly, the manufacture by SLM of various material products simultaneously, SLM + material-reducing hybrid manufacturing, improving the negative feedback systems of SLM equipment, and developing SLM manufacturing processes using ceramics and new metals.