  Nowadays, most structural integrity concepts rely on simplified isotropic
ma-terial data that are used within continuum mechanics modeling approaches. In
contrast, modern casting and forming processes yield complex microstruc-tures
coming along with pronounced gradients in the material's properties in various
length scales. By means of additive manufacturing. bionics-inspired structures
can be perfectly adapted to the space-resolved load distribution. Specific
temperature control during solidification or heat treatment allow for usage of
anisotropy and precipitation effects for materials optimization down to the
atomic length scale. The present paper shows the significance and practical
application of a three-dimensional correlation between the material's
microstructure and its technical properties.
