The Laser Center Hannover (LZH) is working on more durable, particularly well-fitting dental implants as part of a DFG research group. The scientists want to additively manufacture titanium implants with an innovative lattice structure.
The individually adapted implants should ensure good patient tolerance and remain functional for a long time. An interdisciplinary research group is investigating the reproducible production of implants made of Ti6Al-4V with adjustable, graded porosity. The LZH researchers are using lattice structures to precisely adjust the stiffness of the implant. With their help, they want to adapt the implant to the modulus of elasticity, i.e. the stiffness, of the human bone and thus develop more resilient and ultimately more durable implants. The aim is to vary both the lattice structures and the process conditions of the laser-based powder bed process, such as the laser power. The findings on the influence of the process and geometry parameters on the microstructure, mechanical properties, surface topography, corrosion and failure properties of the implants should help to reproducibly manufacture implants in which the porosity, surface properties and microstructure can be individually and precisely adjusted.
