Selective laser melting thermal lattice structure: Properties, performances, applications, and challenges
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Selective laser melting (SLM) has revolutionized the fabrication of metallic lattice structures, enabling unprecedented control over their thermal management capabilities for high-power-density applications in aerospace, electronics, and robotics. This comprehensive review systematically examines the interplay among architectural design, manufacturing parameters, and thermomechanical performance of SLM-produced lattice structures. By categorizing lattice topologies, including strut-based, shell-based (e.g., triply periodic minimal surfaces, TPMS), and plate-based systems, we analyze their heat transfer mechanisms, fluid-structure interactions, and thermal fatigue behavior. While SLM offers exceptional design freedom, critical challenges persist, such as defects (e.g., porosity, surface roughness) and their nonlinear impact on thermofluidic performance. Future directions emphasize machine-learning-assisted topology optimization, multi-material printing, and the integration of phase change materials to achieve active thermal regulation. This work provides a foundational framework for advancing SLM-based lattice structures toward next-generation thermal solutions.
Source: Additive Manufacturing Frontiers
Authors: Simeng Lyu, Lei Zhang, Jiayi Chen, Hanjing Li, Fanrong Ai, Bin Zhang
Institution: Nanchang University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7167827213