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Reducing Stress In 3d Printed Parts Made With Laser Engineered Net Shaping, Shaun Ross Whetten

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Thermal cycling and repeated melting/solidification cycles characteristic of 3D metal printing processes causes buildup of residual stress in 3D printed parts. Using laser engineered net shaping (LENS®), residual stresses are formed leading to deformation and possible cracking of the 3D printed metal components. The LENS process offers opportunities for rapid prototyping, alternative manufacturing processes, and repair of worn/broken components so it is important to be able to minimize the effects of residual stress. Work was performed to understand the benefit of substrate heating on reducing residual stress in metal parts made using the LENS process. Substrate deformation, and destructive methods …