3D analysis in laser beam melting based on real-time process monitoring

In the course of increasing application of laser beam melting (LBM) technology for series production, LBM process monitoring becomes more and more important for quality control during and after the production process. Especially for safety-relevant parts, such as aircraft and motorsport components or medical implants, process robustness and quality assurance is basic assumption for a wide adoption of LBM technology in these industries. Furthermore, real-time monitoring is fundamental for self-regulating process control of LBM machines. But before that, extensive research on interrelations between sensor signals and process conditions need to be done. In this contribution, newest results on process failure and defect detection using Concept Laser’s coaxial IR camera and photodiode based QM Meltpool 3D are addressed. This systems newest 3D feature, providing a detailed 3D landscape of position-related meltpool characteristics, is compared to CT inspection data. Hence, advantages for part inspection and it’s usage in research are presented