Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers a number of benefits over conventional processes. However, in order for these benefits to be realised, further development and integration of suitable monitoring and closed loop control systems are needed. Laser Ultrasonic Testing (LUT) is an inspection technology which shows potential for in-situ monitoring of metallic AM processes. Non-contact measurements can be performed on curved surfaces and in difficult to reach areas, even at elevated temperatures. Interrogation of each build layer generates defect information which can be used to highlight processing errors and allow for real-time modification of processing parameters, enabling improved component quality and yield.

This study evaluates the use of laser-generated surface waves to detect artificially generated defects in titanium alloy (Ti- 6Al-4V) samples produced by laser-based Powder Bed Fusion. The trials undertaken utilise the latest LUT equipment, recently installed at Manufacturing Technology Centre which is capable of being controlled remotely. This will allow the system to optimise or adapt “on-the-fly”, simplifying the eventual integration of the system within an AM machine.

Date Published: 16 March 2015
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 9353, Laser 3D Manufacturing II, 935316 (16 March 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2078768

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9353:
Laser 3D Manufacturing II
Henry Helvajian; Alberto Piqué; Martin Wegener; Bo Gu, Editor(s)