Abstract: By combining mechanical peeling and electrolytic peeling,the residual stress distribution along the cross section of backup roll forgings after surface induction hardening was studied with X-ray stress analyzer.The results show that for surface induction hardened 180 mm 45Cr4NiMoV steel backup roll,the surface stress was compressive stress with the depth of 30 mm,and from surface to center the compressive stress gradually changed to tensile stress and the maximum tensile stress was not located at center part of the backup roll,whereas it appeared at position of 60 mm from the surface.By studying the residual stress distribution rule along the cross section of backup roll forgings after surface induction hardening,it could provide reliable experimental basis for making reasonable process scheme in oversize backup roll forgings production.