Residual stresses in direct metal laser sintered parts

Abstract

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) fabricates parts using a track-by-track, layer-by-layer method in which powder is formed by melting and solidification of single tracks and thin layers. A laser beam scans over the powder layer thus creating a cross-sectional area of the 3D object. High-concentration of laser energy input leads to high thermal gradients which induce residual stress within the as-built parts. Methods for measurement residual stresses and stresses in DMLS parts were analysed.