Additive Manufacturing Technologies and Research Progress for Large-scale Lattice Structures

doi:10.3901/JME.260068

Abstract

Abstract: Large-scale lattice structures, characterized by their high porosity and multifunctional properties such as impact resistance, vibration damping, and noise reduction, hold great potential in key industrial sectors including national defense, marine engineering, and construction. However, limitations in current manufacturing technologies and methods remain a critical bottleneck for their broader application. Additive manufacturing (AM), by virtue of its layer-by-layer fabrication principle, overcomes the constraints of traditional techniques and enables the integrated 3D formation of spatially complex large-scale lattice structures. This study focuses on the latest developments in AM technologies and approaches tailored for large-scale lattice structures, and provides a comprehensive review from three perspectives: manufacturing processes, manufacturing equipment, and application prospects. In terms of manufacturing processes, we compare the state-of-the-art fabrication methods for large-scale multi-material metal lattice structures developed by domestic and international research teams, with a focus on truss-type and regular geometric lattice structures. Regarding manufacturing equipment, we summarize the structural configurations and control systems of current AM platforms, highlighting key differences and commonalities. Finally, we explore the future application potential of large-scale lattice structures in the context of AM. This review aims to systematically elucidate the recent progress and future directions of large-scale lattice structure fabrication via additive manufacturing, and to promote the industrial application of AM technologies for the efficient and high-quality production of lightweight structures.

Key words: large-scale lattice structure, wire arc additive manufacturing, manufacturing process, manufacturing equipment, application prospect

CLC Number:

XU Tianqiu, FU Rui, LUO Longxi, XU Hanwen, MAO Hao, LIU Changmeng. Additive Manufacturing Technologies and Research Progress for Large-scale Lattice Structures[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2026, 62(3): 2-14.

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http://www.cjmenet.com.cn/EN/Y2026/V62/I3/2

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