Additive Manufacturing of Magnesium Alloys for Biomedical Applications

Magnesium alloys, with their stiffness comparable with that of bone, might serve as a new class of biodegradable materials that reduce the adverse effects of stress shielding. Due to its biodegradability, magnesium implants used in medicine do not need revision surgery. Increased enthusiasm for using additive manufacturing’s cutting-edge design options to push medical innovation to new heights indicates a promising future for this industry. The high chemical reactivity exhibited by magnesium alloys poses a significant challenge in the context of 3D printing, owing to the potential combustibility risk that they present. The task of producing solid structures with a balance between durability and resistance to corrosion is already difficult because magnesium has a low boiling point and contains biocompatible alloying components. The goal of this research is to offer an exhaustive overview of the procedures currently in use for 3D printing magnesium structures and recommendations for the most effective additive methods for this class of alloys.