Characterisation of Selective Laser Sintered Implant Alloys: Ti6Al4V and Co-Cr-Mo

Titanium and Cr-Co-Mo alloys are the most attractive metallic biomaterials for orthopedic and dental implants: selective laser sintering technique may use these materials but it still remains limited in terms of foreseeable performances as function of process parameters. The method essentially relies on empirical, experimental knowledge and still lacks a strong theoretical basis. This paper investigates the orientation influence on mechanical performances of Ti6Al4V grade 5 and Cr-Co-Mo specimen built by selective laser sintering. The tensile strength and the rupture surface observation allow to explain the tensile strength values obtained as a function of the fine microstructure that is confirmed by metallographic observation.