Enhancing 3D Printed Component Inspection with X-ray Computed Tomography
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and ZEISS have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to improve the inspection of 3D printed components using industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT). This partnership aims to leverage ORNL’s machine learning algorithm, Simurgh, to expedite the evaluation process of 3D printed parts while significantly reducing inspection costs.
Traditionally, quality control processes in traditional manufacturing methods have been honed through years of experience. However, the introduction of 3D printing brings unique challenges that demand innovative approaches to ensure flawless production. To overcome these challenges, the ORNL and ZEISS collaboration will incorporate CT scanning to accelerate and simplify the inspection process, facilitating widespread industry adoption.
The Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL, which serves as the research site for this initiative, is equipped with state-of-the-art CT systems and scanning electron microscopes from ZEISS. These advanced tools are capable of detecting subtle flaws in 3D printed components. However, the real breakthrough lies in the Simurgh algorithm, which utilizes deep learning to expedite scanning and analysis, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
This level of precision is particularly crucial for critical parts that operate in extreme conditions, such as 3D printed turbine blades tested in high-temperature environments. By ensuring flawless production of these critical components, the collaboration aims to unlock the full potential of 3D printing, enabling its integration into mainstream production lines.
Furthermore, ORNL is exploring the extension of CT scanning to other industries like microelectronics and batteries. By revolutionizing the quality control processes in these sectors, this technology could have far-reaching implications.
Amir Ziabari, a researcher at ORNL, highlights the significance of this collaboration by stating, “CT is a standard nondestructive technique used in a multitude of different industries to ensure the quality of the component that is being produced. But CT is traditionally an expensive and time-consuming process. The challenge is how can we leverage what we know of physics and technology to speed up the CT process to allow it to be more broadly adopted by industry.”
By making CT scanning faster and more cost-effective, the ORNL and ZEISS collaboration envisions a future where this technology is seamlessly integrated into mainstream production lines. This aligns with the ultimate goal of unlocking the full potential of 3D printing.
The signing of the licensing agreement between ORNL and ZEISS marks an important step forward in the world of additive manufacturing. Through this collaboration, the inspection of 3D printed parts will be enhanced, paving the way for more widespread adoption of this revolutionary manufacturing technique.
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