Additive manufacturing of architected shape memory alloys: a review

Abstract

Additive manufacturing of architected materials, particularly lattice or porous structures, has garnered significant interest in recent years due to its ability to enhance weight-to-strength performance, load-bearing capabilities, and superior energy absorption. Integrating these structures with shape memory alloys (SMAs) introduces unique functionality, enabling them to revert to their original shape after unloading. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the capabilities and challenges associated with additively manufactured architected SMAs. Several examples are presented to illustrate the functional and thermomechanical performance of these structures. Additionally, potential applications are examined, and future trends in this innovative field are explored.

Keywords

• Additive manufacturing
• 3D/4D printing
• shape memory alloys
• SMA
• architected structures
• lattice structures