Design, mechanical behavior, and 3D printing defects of a variable density lattice compressor impeller

This article proposes a novel compressor impeller design strategy – Variable Density Lattice Impeller (Impv). We investigate its design schemes and influencing factors in vacuum and gas environments, along with its mechanical behavior and 3D printing performance. Results show that this strategy is feasible in both environments, effectively reducing impeller weight while maintaining performance close to the original design, with the Oct-SCCZ design being optimal. The lattice domain is prone to 3D printing defects, particularly warping and adhesion. Increasing cell size reduces over-melting, SC design decreases warping, and reducing lattice density intervals minimizes powder adhesion.