An overview of 3D-printed shape memory alloys and applications in biomedical engineering

Abstract

Shape memory alloys are widely used in aerospace, biomedical engineering, flexible electronics, and smart actuators because of their excellent mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance. With the complexity and diversity of application scenarios, the demand for shape memory alloys with special structures and functions is becoming more and more obvious. However, the shape memory alloys prepared by traditional metallurgical technology generally suffer from impurity contamination, uneven composition, and structural defects and have certain limitations when designing special complex structures. 3D printing technology can better improve the compositional accuracy of shape memory alloys, reduce structural defects, and achieve the design of complex structures. The preparation of precise reliable and adaptable shape memory alloys plays an important role in medical devices, implants, and biosensors. This paper briefly reviews the research results of 3D-printed shape memory alloys in recent years in terms of molding process and biomedical engineering applications, and the future development of 3D-printed shape memory alloys is discussed with a view to providing valuable references for research and applications in this field.