Osseointegration is defined by a stable and functional union between bone and a surface of a material. This phenomenon is influenced by the geometric and surface characteristics of the part where the bone cells will attach. A wide variety of studies proves that ceramic materials are strong competitors against conventional metals in the scope of bone tissue engineering. Ceramic scaffolds, porous structures that allow bone ingrowth, have been studied to enhance the osseointegration phenomenon. Geometric and dimensional parameters of the scaffold have influence in its performance as mechanical and structural supporter of bone growth. However, these parameters are conditioned by the manufacturing process by which these scaffolds are obtained. Several studies focusing on the production process of ceramic scaffolds have been developed, using 3D printing, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, green machining, robocasting, and others. The main purpose of this work is to evaluate and compare the different manufacturing processes by which ceramic scaffolds can be produced. This comparison addresses scaffold parameters like pore size, pore shape, porosity percentage, roughness, and so forth. Additionally, the different materials used in different manufacturing processes are also mentioned and discussed given its influence on a successful osseointegration while simultaneously displaying adequate mechanical properties. After making a screening on the available ceramic scaffolds manufacturing processes, several examples are presented, proving the potential of each of these manufacturing process for a given scaffold geometry.
Multi‐material parts can offer valuable solutions to engineering problems when compared to single materials. The conceptualization of a multifunctional Inconel 718 (IN718)–Copper (Cu) solution aims to improve the heat extraction capacity of an aerospace component. High‐strength IN718 was used as the base material and highly thermal conductive Cu was employed for internal cooling channels. The cooling channels are produced by electrical discharge machining (EDM) and subsequently filled with Cu to be sintered by hot pressing (HP). The morphological, microstructural, hardness, and thermal properties of the hot‐pressed multi‐material IN718–Cu specimens are studied to evaluate the feasibility of HP processing as a viable manufacturing approach for these multi‐material solutions. The multi‐material IN718–Cu specimens presents a well‐defined design with good metallurgical bonding between the two materials and a thin diffusion region is found, assuring the final properties of each individual material. The Vickers’ microhardness of IN178 and Cu are in accordance with the reported for conventional processes which indicates good densification. The thermal conductivity of the multi‐material IN718–Cu specimen is 25% higher than mono‐material IN718, which can be a significant improvement in the thermal efficiency of an aerospace component.
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