## 3 Results and Discussion
### Additive Manufacturing Aspects
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt}} \hline \hline
**Category** & **SLM** & **EBM** \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Principles} & Uses a high-powered laser to melt metal powder in an inert gas atmosphere, which then cools and solidifies to form highly dense parts & Uses a high-energy electron beam to selectively melt metal powder layer-by-layer in a vacuum environment to prevent the oxidation of the materials being processed \\ \cline{2-3}  & Laser beam & Electron beam \\ \hline Scanning & Galvanometers & Deflection coils \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Material compatibility} & Supports a wider range of materials including titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and precious metals & Limited to conductive metals like titanium and cobalt–chromium alloys \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{Build speed} & Can be slower due to detailed layer deposition for high precision & Offers faster build speeds, especially for larger components \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{Efficiency} & Efficiency depends on laser power and scan speed but is improving steadily & High-energy density allows for quicker melting and solidification, suited for large-scale production \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{Surface finish} & Smooth surface finishes due to precise laser focus & Rougher surface finish requiring additional post-processing \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Mechanical properties} & Produces parts with higher resolutions and finer microstructures, enhancing mechanical properties like tensile strength & Produces parts with high density and strength but may have residual stresses due to rapid cooling \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{Applications} & Ideal for complex geometries in aerospace, automotives, and medical implants & Commonly used in aerospace and medical implants for high-performance metals \\ \cline{1-1} \cline{2-3}  & & \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 2: SLM vs. EBM. in achieving the desired pore sizes. The pore size is an important aspect influencing osseointegration, as discussed in the literature [49]. The reported minimum size of SLM parts is 40-200 \(\upmu\)m, while, for parts manufactured using EBM, it is about 0.5 mm [50]. After powder-bed fusion, post-processing like hot isostatic pressing is used to relieve stresses, refine the grain structure, and improve the ductility and fatigue resistance. Alternative methods like annealing or stress relieving can also be applied. Parts are typically removed from the build platform using electrical discharge machining. The DMLS process was reported in [PERSON] et al. [27], with the producers manufacturing Ti6 Al4V implants on an EOS M 290 3D printer. The DMLS process is quite similar to SLM, using a laser beam (usually a fiber laser) to selectively melt metallic powders [46]. DMLS is slower than SLM as it operates at lower power and uses fewer lasers (maximum of four, in comparison with maximum of 12 lasers in SLM equipment). From a materials perspective, titanium alloy is the current standard for these implants due to its biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion, and mechanical properties. The porous design enabled by AM provides osseointegration and efficient load distribution, which is fundamental for the long-term success of the implant. The 3D-printed implant field has also strong potential for further material innovation by exploring alternative biocompatible materials or hybrid designs, which could enhance implants' performance while addressing economic constraints. As an example, incorporating bioactive coatings, such as hydroxyapatite or antibacterial layers, could improve the biological integration and reduce infection risks. Advances in multi-material AM could allow the combination of titanium with other materials, expanding the applicability of these implants to a broader range of orthopedic cases. As the domain evolves, ongoing research into novel materials and applications will make these solutions more accessible.