Improving Additive Manufacturing With The Help Of Infrared

Read on to know more on how infrared cameras can help manufacturers find systematic problems and determine what changes are needed to maintain product quality.

- Flir

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is revolutionising manufacturing. In contrast with subtractive manufacturing methods such as machining, AM technologies create components directly from a computer model, adding material only where needed. Heat is often an integral part of this process – one that needs to be monitored closely in order to see consistent results.

Growing numbers of high-tech organisations are pioneering additive manufacturing (AM) technologies to use in applications ranging from product development to specialised manufacturing in fields such as architectural design, aerospace components, and medical implants. NASA has even sent two different 3D printers designed to operate in zero-G to the International Space Station. The advantage of AM is it allows for far greater design flexibility, decreased energy consumption, and a faster time to market. But AM parts can be subject to quality issues, thermal stresses, and distortions that can be difficult to diagnose. Studying the process and its thermal properties with an IR camera can help manufacturers make quick corrections with minimal production delays.

Taking Control of the Process