In situ characterization of the deformation and failure behavior of non-stochastic porous structures processed by selective laser melting

Cellular materials are promising candidates for load adapted light-weight structures. Direct manufacturing (DM) tools are effective methods to produce non-stochastic structures. Many DM studies currently focus on optimization of the geometric nature of the structures obtained. The literature available so far reports on the mechanical properties but local deformation mechanisms are not taken into account. In order to fill this gap, the current study addresses the deformation behavior of a lattice structure produced by selective laser melting (SLM) on the local scale by means of a comprehensive experimental in situ approach, including electron backscatter diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and digital image correlation. SLM-processed as well as heat treated lattice structures made from TiAl6V4 alloy were employed for mechanical testing. It is demonstrated that the current approach provides means to understand the microstructure-mechanical property–local deformation relationship to allow for optimization of load adapted lattice structures.