Deformation and energy absorption studies on FBCC and FBCCz lattice structures with symmetrical density gradients produced by L-PBF of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Powder Bed Fusion has recently received widespread attention due to its ability to fabricate lightweight lattice structures for biomedical applications like hip implants. Topology optimization techniques and software development have increased the design freedom to build these parts with density gradients. In this work, Face and Body Centered Cubic (FBCC) and Face and Body Centered Cubic with vertical z struts (FBCCz) lattice structures were successfully fabricated with Ti-6Al-4 V alloy. For the first time, designs with a symmetrical density gradient have been attempted in the build direction, and their deformation behavior and failure modes under uniaxial compression are discussed. The Quasi-elastic modulus and Compressive Yield Strength of the symmetric gradient FBCCz structure were found to be 5.3 GPa and 37 MPa, which shows the structure’s suitability in load-bearing hip implants. On the other hand, FBCC, with a lower relative density, had good energy absorption characteristics at higher strains.