An Evaluation of Non-Stochastic Lattice Structures Fabricated Via Electron Beam Melting
Abstract
Metal foam structures have many applications and can be used as structural supports, heat
exchangers, shock absorbers, and implant materials. Stochastic metal foams having different cell
sizes and densities have been commercially available for a number of years. This paper addresses
a different type of foams which are known as non-stochastic foams, or lattice structures. These
foams have a well defined repeating unit cell structure rather than the random cell structure in
commercially available stochastic foams. The paper reports on preliminary research on the
fabrication of non-stochastic Ti-6Al-4V alloy foams using the Electron Beam Melting process.
Behavior of the structures in compression, bending, and low cycle repeating load tests are
discussed, and recommendations about cell geometry and processing conditions are made.