Residual Stress Residual stress is the internal stress remaining in a 3D printed part after cooling, affecting dimensional accuracy, strength, and stability. It is caused by uneven thermal contraction, layer bonding, or phase changes. Residual stress leads to warping, cracking, or delamination. It is prevalent in metal and high-temperature polymer printing. Techniques like stress relief annealing, optimized print orientation, and gradual cooling minimize residual stress. Proper stress management enhances mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and reliability, ensuring high-performance parts. |