Additive manufacturing builds as-designed structures via layer-by-layer joining material

providing an alternative manufacturing pattern for complex components. In contrast to conventional structural design concept

topology optimization is independent on initial configuration and can obtain more innovative configurations

and has been a significant approach for high-performance and lightweight structures in the aerospace and high-end equipment field. The integration of topology optimization and additive manufacturing can make the most of their respective advantages and potentials

and has broad application prospects in modern manufacturing. This article reviews the main research content and applications of the integration of additive manufacturing and topology optimization in recent years

including multi-scale/ hierarchical structural optimization design centering on material and structure integration

and topology optimization for additive manufacturing limits centering on design and manufacturing integration. Meanwhile

the problems and challenges of structural design approaches and additive manufacturing process are presented

such as the performance characterization as well as scale effects of additive manufactured lattice structures

the anisotropy of additive manufactured material

the fatigue performance of additive manufactured material

additive manufactured functionally graded material and structure

etc.

which provides references for tomorrow’s related research and aerospace applications.