Abstract: Iron-based biodegradable metals and the method of fabricating are disclosed. The iron-based biodegradable metals, which have an accelerated degradation rate and a yield strength similar to stainless steel, comprises a composite structure of multiple iron layers separated by thin alloying metallic layers. The composite structure are built layer by layer using additive manufacturing technologies. The iron-based biodegradable metals can be fabricated into a small diameter tube for laser cutting into implantable bare metal stents or drug eluting stents with biodegradable polymer coating. The iron-based biodegradable metals can be fabricated and/or machined into orthopedic implants.