Use of additive manufacturing for the fabrication of cellular and lattice materials: a review

Complex structures with a prescribed distribution of material often reach the limit of manufacturing technologies. Additive manufacturing has emerged as a valuable option to fabricate structured materials, i.e. cellular or lattice materials. Numerous works related to such materials have used additive manufacturing including extruder-based technologies and laser-based technologies, among others. Each technique results in advantages and disadvantages. Consequently, a review of the different additive-manufacturing technologies used to fabricate cellular and lattice materials is presented here, summarizing the applicability and limitations of each technique. The techniques are categorized according to the state of the raw material they use filament, fluid, and powder. Additionally, guidance on the use of each is given to benefit the fabrication of structured materials.

Automated summary

Additive manufacturing has become a valuable option for fabricating structured materials, with various technologies having their own advantages and disadvantages. This review categorizes different additive-manufacturing techniques used for cellular and lattice materials based on the raw materials used, and provides guidance on benefiting the fabrication of such materials.