A significant requirement for a bone implant is to replicate the functional gradient across the bone to mimic the localization change in stiffness. In this work, continuous functionally graded porous scaffolds (FGPSs) based on the Schwartz diamond unit cell with a wide range of graded volume fraction were manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM). The micro-topology, strut dimension characterization and effect of graded volume fraction on the mechanical properties of SLM-processed FGPSs were systematically investigated. The micro-topology observations indicate that diamond FGPSs with a wide range of graded volume fraction from 7.97% to 19.99% were fabricated without any defects, showing a good geometric reproduction of the original designs. The dimensional characterization demonstrates the capability of SLM in manufacturing titanium diamond FGPSs with the strut size of 483–905 µm. The elastic modulus and yield strength of the titanium diamond FGPSs can be tailored in the range of 0.28–0.59 GPa and 3.79–17.75 MPa respectively by adjusting the graded volume fraction, which are comparable to those of the cancellous bone. The mathematical relationship between the graded porosity and compression properties of a FGPS was revealed. Furthermore, two equations based on the Gibson and Ashby model have been established to predict the modulus and yield strength of SLM-processed diamond FGPSs. Compared to homogeneous diamond porous scaffolds, FGPSs provide a wide range of mutative pore size and porosity, which are potential to be tailored to optimize the pore space for bone tissue growth. The findings provide a basis of new methodologies to design and manufacture superior graded scaffolds for bone implant applications.

对骨植入物的重要要求是在整个骨上复制功能梯度以模仿刚度的局部变化。在这项工作中，通过选择性激光熔化（SLM）制造了基于Schwartz金刚石晶胞的连续功能梯度多孔支架（FGPS），其梯度体积分数范围很广。系统地研究了SLM加工的FGPS的微观拓扑结构，支撑尺寸特征以及梯度体积分数对力学性能的影响。微观拓扑观察表明，制造的钻石FGPS的梯度体积分数范围从7.97％到19.99％不等，没有任何缺陷，显示出原始设计的良好几何再现。尺寸特征证明了SLM具有制造483-905 µm支杆尺寸的钛金刚FGPS的能力。钛金刚石FGPS的弹性模量和屈服强度可以通过调节渐变的体积分数分别设置在0.28-0.59 GPa和3.79-17.75 MPa的范围内，这与松质骨的可比性相当。揭示了FGPS的分级孔隙率和压缩特性之间的数学关系。此外，建立了基于Gibson和Ashby模型的两个方程，以预测SLM处理的金刚石FGPS的模量和屈服强度。与均质的金刚石多孔支架相比，FGPS具有广泛的可变孔径和孔隙率，可以根据需要进行调整以优化骨组织生长的孔隙空间。