Invention:
This technology is a method to detect defect formation in additively manufactured metal parts through the building process. It will provide real-time process monitoring and process control in a non-invasive and non-destructive fashion. This method can be used with various types of manufacturing. Currently, it can be used with laser and e-beam powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition and binder jet based additive manufacturing. It is essentially a readymade method for in situ process monitoring and control without having any effect on the underlying building process.
Background:
Additive manufacturing (AM) is based on layer-by-layer addition of materials. This is a highly sensitive process as any minor changes to different factors such as laser and material properties could have an impact on quality. As a result, in-process monitoring of additive manufacturing is crucial to assure the quality, integrity and safety of the additive manufactured components.
Applications:
- Real-time process monitoring for additive manufacturing components
Advantages:
- Significant cost savings
- Reduction in improper builds
- Reduction in operating time
