Optimization of mechanical loaded lattice structures by orientating their struts along the flux of force

Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) processes like Selective Laser Melting (SLM) show a great potential for the fabrication of lightweight components due to their high geometric flexibility. Thereby, especially mesoscopic approaches feature some very advantageous properties like high stiffness and strength combined with low masses. A periodical build-up of these structures is not ideal, because of the appearance of unfavorable load cases like bending or shearing inside the struts. Rather, only push and pull forces should appear. To reach this state, the course of the structure has to be adapted in order to avoid bending forces or at least to minimize them. This can be achieved by the orientation of the single struts along the flux of force inside the available design space. For this purpose, a procedure has been developed, which makes it possible to adapt the course of a structure to the flux of force inside a given part.