Additively manufactured lattice structures offer promising specific properties for applications such as lightweight construction or crash absorbers. However, there currently are no well-developed guidelines for designing and reliably manufacturing lattice structures, preventing the prediction of their properties. Additionally, the unique microstructure produced by the AM process is not necessarily suitable for immediate use.
In the case of AlSi10Mg it results in brittle behaviour due to an interconnected network of Si precipitates, causing part failure at low strains. Therefore, it is necessary to further tailor the microstructure via post-process heat treatment.
F2CCZ, F2CC and BCC lattice samples of various strut diameters were manufactured and the influence of heat treatment at different temperatures on microstructural and compressive properties was investigated.
Heat treatments led to ductilization for all lattice types, changing the deformation behaviour and increasing specific energy absorption by up to 200 %, resulting in more reliable and predictable parts. Results will be discussed with respect to microstructure as well as lattice structure and relative density, which affect mechanical properties.