Additive manufacturing lends itself to some unique capabilities that many traditional manufacturing methods cannot replicate, one being the intricate geometries of lattice structures. Lattice structures are loosely defined as a network of nodes and beams that make up a 2D or 3D structure.
Lattice structures in 3D printing and design can dramatically:
Reduce part weight and production time
Optimize material usage and dead space
Retain structural integrity and part strength
Undergo more stresses and strains
Lattice structures are a key component when designing for 3D printing, and can be achieved with ease via a CAD process known as Generative Design. This process allows users to input certain constraints to their part, i.e. point loads, moments and geometric constraints. The program then creates a variety of potential designs to achieve part effectiveness while utilizing the benefits of lattice structures.
[COOL USE CASE] NASA is researching and developing on the power of lattice structures.
Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies (PADT) recently received $755,000 in funding to design, test and develop lattice structures for aerospace vehicles.