SLM lattice structures: Properties, performance, applications and challenges

TLDR

Additive manufacturing, especially Selective Laser Melting, has enabled lattice structures with unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, and acoustic properties, yet no comprehensive analysis of their mechanical response exists despite growing data. The study compiles and summarizes experimental data on the mechanical response of SLM lattice structures to fill the gap in current knowledge. The authors review design, fabrication, and performance of SLM lattice structures and analyze data quality to guide best practices. The review compiles experimental data, enabling meta‑analysis that confirms Gibson‑Ashby density‑property correlations and offers a resource for designers, thereby clarifying the mechanical limits of SLM lattice structures and supporting their commercial use.

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), particularly Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has enabled development of lattice structures with unique properties. Through control of various parameters lattice structures can produce unique mechanical, electrical, thermal and acoustic properties, and have received much research attention. Despite the increasing volume of published data on the mechanical response of specific SLM lattice structures, there exists no overarching analysis. This work addresses this identified deficiency by providing a comprehensive summary of the experimental data reported on the mechanical response of SLM lattice structures. The design, fabrication and performance of SLM lattice structures are reviewed and the quality of data reported is analysed to inform best-practice for future studies. This comprehensive data summary enables meta-analysis of the reported mechanical performance of SLM lattice structures, providing insight into the bounds of their technical capabilities. Correlations were identified between the relative density and mechanical properties of many unit cell topologies consistent with the predictions of the Gibson-Ashby model, indicating its usefulness in describing and predicting the behaviour of SLM lattice structures. This review provides designers with a compiled resource of experimental data and design for AM tools to inform future design applications of SLM lattice structures and facilitates their further commercial adoption.