The effect of scan path on thermal gradient during selective laser melting

High thermal gradients during selective laser melting (SLM) can generate residual stresses due to uneven volumetric expansion, which can lead to weak or cracked parts. In SLM, scan path refers to the route the laser takes during a single layer of solidification, and has a direct impact on thermal gradient, and by association residual stress. This work uses a finite element model to compare the thermal gradients generated by nine different scan …