Tailoring residual stress profile of Selective Laser Melted parts by Laser Shock Peening

The paper describes a new approach in controlling and tailoring residual stress profile of parts made by Selective Laser Melting (SLM). SLM parts are well known for the high tensile stresses in the as – built state in the surface or subsurface region. These stresses have a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties and especially on the fatigue life. Laser Shock Peening (LSP) as a surface treatment method was applied on SLM parts and residual stress measurements with the hole – drilling method were performed. Two different grades of stainless steel were used: a martensitic 15-5 precipitation hardenable PH1 and an austenitic 316L. Different LSP parameters were used, varying laser energy, shot overlap, laser spot size and treatments with and without an ablative medium. For both materials the as-built (AB) residual stress state was changed to a more beneficial compressive state. The value and the depth of the compressive stress was analyzed and showed a clear dependence on the LSP processing parameters. Application of LSP on SLM parts showed promising results, and a novel method that would combine these two processes is proposed. The use of LSP during the building phase of SLM as a “3D LSP” method would possibly give the advantage of further increasing the depth and volume of compressive residual stresses, and selectively treating key areas of the part, thereby further increasing fatigue life.