Influence of process parameters on residual stress related distortions in selective laser melting

Residual stresses pose a major setback in Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and limit the applicability of the process, particularly from the standpoint of form accuracy and mechanical strength. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of SLM parameters namely laser power and scanning speed on thermal stress related warping distortions and porosity. In this study, residual stress related distortions and achievable density for different process parameter combinations are presented simultaneously due to the profound influence of the porosity on residual stress relaxation. The paper also discusses the implications of the process parameters on the sustainability of the SLM process.