Lattice structures in stainless steel 17-4PH manufactured via selective laser melting (SLM) process: dimensional accuracy, satellites formation, compressive response and printing parameters optimization

Abstract By the term, lattice structures are intended topologically ordered open-celled consisting of one or more repeating unit cells. Technological development and especially growth additive manufacturing (AM) industry allows innovative structural design, including complex structure. Selective laser melting (SLM) is an AM process that enables manufacture space filling structures. This work investigated influence most important parameter settings on lattices printability, focusing geometrical accuracy, quantity powders adhered to main frame (satellites) their compression behaviour. The parameters such as power, scan speed layer height affect vigorously quality mechanical properties part. aim paper evaluate how different combinations cellular structures’ printing. Twenty-four with cubic rhombic dodecahedron cells made stainless steel 17-4PH (AISI-630) were printed using SLM parameters. Each structure was analysed considering its geometrical, topological properties. Finally, best combination evaluated comparing results achieved. Although this steel, physical principles related printing described generally true for process. Therefore, adopted approach could still be suitable also all other materials commonly used technology.