Juliana Jumadi, Mohd Shamil Shaari, Muhammad Hafidz Fazli Md Fauadi, Rajan Kumaresan, Agung Premono, Kuldeep K. Saxena, Kumaran Kadirgama, Wan Sharuzi Wan Harun
This study provides a critical assessment of the clinical viability of 316 L stainless-steel biomedical implants manufactured using selective laser melting (SLM). SLM provides extreme control over implant geometry and significantly higher static strength in the resultant components compared with the wrought counterparts. However, the clinical performance of SLM-processed materials is exceptionally sensitive to fatigue and biocorrosion, as a function of residual stresses and process-induced defects. We coin the term “SLM 316L paradox” to describe the compromise of a non-equilibrium microstructure that increases hardness and strength, but in return, introduces weaknesses in the mechanical and electrochemical stability. These weaknesses do not stem directly from the material itself but are closely dependent on the manufacturing process, defect density, and surface quality of the material. This review resolves this contradiction by establishing links between the microstructure, mechanical behaviour, and in vitro and in vivo degradation mechanisms. In conclusion, major research gaps are identified to enable the clinical translation of reliable additively manufactured biomaterials, including predictive modelling, defect mitigation methodologies, and long-term degradation studies of lattice structures, including advanced surface engineering. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature 2026.
Centre for Automotive Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Pahang, Pekan, 26600, Malaysia; Faculty of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Pahang, Pekan, 26600, Malaysia; Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia; Composite Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jl. Rawamangun Muka, Jakarta, 13220, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Galgotias University, Uttar Pradesh, Greater Noida, 203201, India
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