3D4MEC, Fraunhofer IAPT, In-situ Monitoring, Brass
Image Credit: 3D4MEC

3D4MEC known for its Metal Additive Manufacturing services has collaborated with the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Additive Manufacturing Technologies (IAPT), to develop an advanced in-situ optical monitoring system for the 3D4BRASS printer.

Thetascan GmbH has become a part of this collaboration and brings its expertise in materials and testing technology. The firm will offer an optical device that can enhance the overall stability, and reliability of the Additive Manufacturing process for complex materials such as brass.

The advanced in-situ monitoring system aims to identify real-time defects during the selective laser melting protocol, improving the quality and repeatability of 3D-printed parts.

The L-PBF Department of In-situ Monitoring & Process Control at Fraunhofer (IAPT) will share its advanced scientific knowledge to create the latest tech features for Metal 3D printing. The project will explore the latest 3D Optical Tomography (3D-OT) version to expand the system monitoring functionalities.

The Managing Director of 3D4MEC, Fabrizio Marino Corsini says, “The collaboration with Fraunhofer IAPT and Thetascan is a tremendous opportunity for 3D4MEC to strengthen our commitment to research and development, an area in which we have heavily invested over the past years. With this synergy, we aim to develop customized additive manufacturing solutions for special materials, meeting the specific needs of our clients and the market.”

Meanwhile, the scientific assistant for In-situ Monitoring of Fraunhofer IAPT, Dennis Jutkuhn depicts “In 3D4MEC, we have found an excellent partner to move on and advance the further development of optical tomography technology beyond the state of the art employing extended sensor integration and fusion of multiple sensing technologies for a data-based quality control in Laser Powder Bed Fusion. The project will profit from our previous investigations into optical tomography with ThetaScan.”

Thanks to this project, 3D4MEC could provide a unique solution globally, allowing real-time monitoring and correction of defects during the 3D printing of brass. This will help minimize material waste and improve energy efficiency, enabling a step forward in sustainable manufacturing.

Author: Nagarjun M

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