Thermal Residual Stress Relaxation
Reducing stresses in additively manufactured parts through targeted heat treatment to prevent cracking.
Physicochemical mechanism of action
In the additive manufacturing process, stresses arise in the material. These can occur during layer buildup or due to thermal distortion. Thermal residual stress relaxation reduces these stresses through controlled heat treatments that allow the material to yield in certain temperature ranges and to deform and balance out the stresses.
Metallurgical relevance & welding risks
If these stresses are not reduced, they can lead to cracks or distortion. This can be particularly problematic for complex components with high stress levels. Insufficient relaxation can also impair the mechanical strength and toughness of the material.
Workshop practice & action instructions
To perform effective thermal residual stress relaxation, the following steps should be observed:
1. Heat treatment temperature: The temperature should be set so that the material is able to deform and balance out the stresses. This varies depending on the material and the component being manufactured.
2. Duration of heat treatment: Sufficient time is required to ensure complete relaxation of the stresses. The exact duration depends on the material structure and the specific conditions.
3. Cooling pass: After heat treatment, the material should be cooled slowly and in a controlled manner to avoid distortion and ensure uniform stress balancing.