Introduction 1.1. Microstructure of Additively Manufactured MaterialsAdditive manufacturing (AM) is the subject of many recent publications. [1][2][3] Typical representatives of AM methods for the processing of metallic metals are mainly divided into three categories: wire feeding, powder feeding, and powder bed fusion systems. [3] The latter technique enables the production of metallic structures by layer-wise melting of a thin metal powder bed only using AM equipment and a sliced model generated by a computeraided design (CAD) program. The application of a powder bed in powder-based AM technology facilitates the selective processing of individual layers in complex geometry. The most commonly used powder bed fusion techniques are selective electron beam powder bed fusion (EPBF) and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). [3,4] EPBF structures are produced in a vacuum atmosphere and at a high temperature, eventually leading to a relatively low residual stress level. In contrast, LPBF processes usually take place at temperatures up to 200 C. The localized energy input and the small melt pool sizes, respectively, in combination with low build chamber temperatures result in high temperature gradients, whereby residual stresses are favored. [5] Generally, the influence of scan vectors and related strategies is a complex topic, which crucially has to be dealt with. Scan vector lengths, orientations, the order of rotation within a specific layer, and its subsequent layers are variables in every building process. Only a very limited number of comprehensive studies have reported on the effect of the scan strategy on the density, microstructure, mechanical properties, and residual stresses of LPBF parts, as clearly stated in previous studies. [5][6][7][8] Already an increased scan path length, e.g., due to a change of cross-section of a part, can result in a severely decreased relative density as well as fundamentally changed microstructure. [9,10] The influence of parameters on the evolution of residual stresses was already numerously studied. [11,12] The authors showed that the residual stresses are mainly influenced by cooling rates, temperature gradients, and melt pool sizes. Also, a minimization of the temperature gradient by powder bed preheating is an option to reduce process-induced stresses. [1,13] The high influence of the laser power and the effect of scan strategies have been characterized.