Study on Cellular Structures as the Core Architectures of Parts Based on Selective Laser Melting

Cellular structures exhibit favorable properties for multifunctional applications, such as light weight, high load-bearing combined with high heat exchange capability. This paper is to seek optimal cellular structures as the core architectures of parts manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) technology, which provides required mechanical properties. Design features for characterizing optimal structural performance are discussed. Some preliminary design rules are developed to improve the manufacturability and the quality of cellular structures, the orientation of strut is designed as ±45° or 90°. Compression tests are also carried out to seek cellular structures of synthetically optimal mechanical properties. Comparing the effects of the unit cell architecture and the relative density on mechanical properties, it reveals that unit cell architecture is dominant rather than the relative density, and the truss lattice with [90°,±45°] structure is the overall best performing among the selected cellular structures.