Additive manufacturing of copper, by means of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), paves the way for
innovation in thermal systems and heat transfer devices. Recent simulations have shown that by interchanging
typical fin designs with more complex structures, an overall improvement in pressure drop and weight can be
obtained while offering the same thermal performance. Here, small-scale lattice structures are especially of
interest for AM as they form a reliable, periodic infill. However, until now, their study has been mainly theoretical.
To analyze these structures in more detail, an in-house built LPBF machine at KU Leuven has been successfully
used to manufacture pure copper parts. Measurements showed a conductivity exceeding 100%IACS, which is the
result of low contamination and low porosity in the as-built material. In this work, the parameter optimization for
thin-walled lattices is discussed, the limitations in terms of minimal feature size are described and physical
mechanisms behind these limitations are uncovered.Mechanical Engineerin
