Lattice structure is a three-dimensional, regularly arranged porous structure, which has high specific strength, high specific stiffness and excellent heat dissipation performance. It is the main carrier of integrated design of multi-function. Due to the complexity of lattice structure parts, the traditional preparation process cannot be directly used for manufacturing. Additive manufacturing technology is a new manufacturing technology that can build a threedimensional object via layer-by-layer joining material, which has unique advantages in complex structure manufacturing. The lattice structure parts prepared by additive manufacturing can greatly reduce the weight of the parts and improve the comprehensive mechanical properties. It has great technical advantages in the aerospace, energy, vehicle engineering and other fields. This article summarizes and concludes the research on complex part structures such as metal lattice structure, minimal surface structure and topology optimization structure, and comprehensively discusses the applications of mechanical properties, lightweight, absorption capacity, heat dissipation and sound absorption. Finally, the advantages and development direction of metal additive manufacturing lattice structure are summarized and prospected.