Additively Manufactured Lattice Structures and Materials: Present Progress and Future Scope

Lattice patterns are designed to create lighter and stronger structures for various industrial applications. With progress in additive technology, lattice structure investigations have become feasible and realistic for efficient product and structural developments. The present study provides an overview of additively manufactured lattice structures along with their cell types, properties, model analysis, printing, and testing mechanical behaviour with adapted materials. The study focus on the behaviour of polymer lattice structures, including thermoplastics and resins, studying energy absorption, weight minimization, improvement of mechanical properties, and failure modes. Systematic literature research has been carried out (from 2006 to 2023) to highlight research gaps and challenges associated with lattice structures, simulation modelling, 3D prints, and structural tests. The study portrays insufficient investigations on fused deposition modelling and stereolithography-based lattice structures with polymers, composites, and metals, limited lattice structures comparative output data, design not withstanding specific energy absorption, low mechanical properties of materials and lattice, lag on the ceramic resins study. The authors report that by applying topology optimisation, comparison, and combination of lattice structures, the use of functionally graded materials, multi-material structures, controlled porosity and flexibility, they can resolve these challenges. The authors are hopeful that this research will be useful for next generation researchers and practitioners in miniaturisation and green product development.