Selective Laser Sintering Induced Residual Stresses: Precision Measurement and Prediction

Additive Manufacturing presents unique advantages over traditional manufacturing processes and has the potential to accelerate technical advancement across multiple sectors, permitting far greater freedom in design than conventional manufacturing. However, one barrier which blocks wide adoption is residual stresses, could seriously affect materials’ behaviour during after production. Selective laser sintering (SLS), a process with high energy input workpiece material, induces temperature gradients, further affecting final stress distribution. Within present paper, three different methods for assessment of stresses’ distribution are presented compared: non-destructive method based on neutron diffraction, destructive known as contour method, theoretical approach Finite Element Analysis. The aim examine suitability reliability application these predicting stresses additive manufacturing-built parts.