Several factors influence the performance of a 3D-printed part.
Two parts may have exactly the same geometry while exhibiting significantly different performance.
In additive manufacturing, the mechanical properties of a part do not depend solely on its CAD model. They result from a balance between the manufacturing process, the material used, and the design of its internal architecture.
Lattice Services has identified the four main factors that influence the performance of 3D-printed parts.
1. Build orientation
3D-printed parts exhibit anisotropic behavior, meaning that their properties vary depending on the build direction.
Choosing the appropriate build orientation improves mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, and stress distribution in the most highly loaded areas.
2. Manufacturing parameters
Laser power, scan speed, layer thickness, and the build strategy all have a direct impact on the final quality of the part.
These parameters influence the material’s microstructure, the bonding between layers, and the presence of potential internal defects. Their optimization is essential to ensure reliable and repeatable performance.
3. Material selection
The material must be selected according to the application’s requirements, including mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, weight, and biocompatibility.
Each material has specific characteristics that directly affect the performance of the finished part.
4. Lattice structures: engineering performance from the inside out
One of the greatest advantages of additive manufacturing is the ability to integrate complex internal architectures known as lattice structures.
By controlling the geometry and porosity of these structures, it is possible to reduce weight, optimize stiffness, and locally tailor the mechanical properties of a part. This design freedom opens up new possibilities for demanding industries such as medical, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Lattice structures promote osseointegration
For orthopedic implants, lattice structures do more than simply reduce weight. Their open, interconnected porosity promotes bone cell ingrowth, thereby enhancing osseointegration.
They also make it possible to tailor the implant’s apparent Young’s modulus, helping to reduce the stress shielding effect and achieve a more natural distribution of mechanical loads between the implant and the surrounding bone.
