Comparison of the Properties of Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel for Orthopedic Applications: A Review

Owing to the low cost, ease of fabricability, good mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of the 316L stainless steel (SS), this material is considered a suitable choice for orthopedic applications. Based on its properties and large utilization in orthopedics, this review focuses on the importance of additively manufactured (AM) 316L stainless steel. Owing to the large flexibility of the additive manufacturing process, the microstructure of the 316L SS can be easily tuned to modify the mechanical, corrosion and biological properties. To elucidate the benefits of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel, the properties of the selective laser melted (SLM) 316L stainless steel and wrought 316L stainless steel are compared. Particularly, the unique features of the SLM 316L stainless steel have been discussed in detail. The existing challenges associated with the additive manufacturing processes and implications of their widespread application are also highlighted. A brief overview of the biological properties and reactions sequence of the host immune system, i.e. tissue response, the activation of acute and chronic inflammatory processes and immunological reactions, is also provided to understand the reasons for implant failure or rejection by the body.