Structural integrity of direct metal laser sintered parts subjected to thermal and finishing treatments

In general, DMLS process origins detrimental surface tensile stresses in Inconel 718 and CoCr alloy components whereas in Maraging Steel parts DMLS results in light surface compressive stresses that improve in general with the application of subsequent thermal and mechanical treatments. Moreover, surface polishing homogenizes the final stresses resulting, besides, in very compressive surface residual stresses.