Lattice structures made by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract

Lattice structures are lightweight porous materials that are architected to exhibit optimal and bespoke mechanical, physical, and biological properties, which make them suitable for a wide range of applications in biomedical, aerospace, automotive, and civil industries. Additive manufacturing (AM) processes, especially laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), have provided unique opportunities for creating structures with complex internal geometries and topologies, including lattice structures. The unique features offered by the L-PBF process allow the designer to remove the limitations associated with conventional manufacturing techniques. However, the success of the fabrication process and the reliability of the final product rely heavily on the proper selection of several pre- and post-AM processing parameters. Here, we present an overview of some of the most important factors influencing the design, quality, and mechanical properties of L-PBF lattice structures in general and metallic lattices in particular.