Residual stress via the contour method in compact tension specimens produced via selective laser melting

The complex thermal history of parts produced via selective laser melting (SLM) leads to a complex residual stress state. While it is generally accepted that these residual stresses are unfavorable, their exact influence on the mechanical behavior of parts produced by SLM is unknown. Two-dimensional stress mapping using the contour method shows that residual stresses have a major influence on the anisotropic behavior of Ti6Al4V produced via SLM. Furthermore, maximum stress values are close to the yield stress.