Sigma Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGLB), a Santa Fe, New Mexico based software developer, will launch PrintRite3D® INSPECT™ V3.0 at next month’s formnext show in Frankfurt, Germany.
PrintRite3D® INSPECT™ V3.0 software is a “web-based, distributed application featuring 3D Thermal Mapping of the melt pool using Sigma Labs’ proprietary TED™ (Thermal Emission Density™) metrics.”
The company says that it’s TED metrics are “an industry first and powered by an advanced analytics engine, designed to meet the needs of users focused on research, development and qualification-level activities as well as day-to-day production activities.”
The software tool uses in-process sensor data and provides users with data to enable “focused characterization and analysis leading to rapid process qualification and part certification.” Process qualification and part certification are frequently identified as bottlenecks for the advancement of additive manufacturing.
Deep learning algorithms and visualization tools
Mark Cola, President and Chief Technology Officer of Sigma Labs said version 3 includes, “deep learning algorithms and visualization tools that provide users with unparalleled process characterization, qualification and validation capabilities across the additive manufacturing product QA continuum.”
“We believe this release is a milestone achievement for Sigma Labs and the additive manufacturing industry as we drive our products to meet Industry 4.0 standards.”
John Rice, Sigma Labs’ CEO said, “We believe that Sigma’s PrintRite3D® INSPECT™ 3.0 software dramatically enhances additive manufacturing production capabilities with an ease of integration and use that sets Sigma Labs’ solutions apart from anything on the market.”
The quantitative, in-situ thermal history maps can also be used to validate modeling and simulation (M&S) results prior to process characterization studies, process qualification & validation phases, as well as in conjunction with design optimization evaluations.
Digital, real-time quality assurance
In an article looking at the future of 3D printing, Mark Cola explains how if additive manufacturing is to be used for critical metal parts, “improvements must come in three areas, namely: consistent quality, process reliability, and productivity gains to ensure growth and cost-effectiveness of current and future applications.”
Enabling digital,real-time quality assurance methodology is likely to accelerate the wider use of additive manufacturing with research tools such as the PrintRite3D INSPECT system adding to the work underway at a number of labs.
Work undertaken at NIST is focused on recording the data necessary to understand the complex metrology of a metal additive manufacturing build chamber. At Lawrence Livermore National Lab multi-physics high fidelity modelling is approaching another part of the puzzle. Sizeable grants, including $350,000 for the University of Pittsburgh are also underway to better understand and “mitigate the distortions and stresses inherent” in additive manufacturing.
Sigma Labs will be exhibiting at Booth F51 Hall 3 during formnext.
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Featured image shows a metal 3D print made using Sigma Labs PrintRite 3D. Photo by Michael Petch.
