Rowan University and Phase3D Partner for Data-Driven Metal AM Research
Rowan University's Digital Engineering Hub is collaborating with Phase3D to enhance metal additive manufacturing research, education, and process confidence through in-situ quality assurance.
Rowan University's Digital Engineering Hub (DEHub) has entered into a partnership with Phase3D, a provider of in-situ quality assurance technology. This collaboration aims to advance data-driven metal additive manufacturing (AM) research, foster hands-on education, and increase confidence in manufacturing processes.
Through this partnership, DEHub students and researchers gain access to calibrated, unit-based heightmaps generated during the metal AM process. This data enables them to make more informed decisions in real-time, particularly crucial during critical build phases. The practical value of this collaboration was highlighted during the DEHub team's first independent build following the installation of a new metal AM system.
When a build preparation error caused the initial 60 layers of a print on a DMG MORI LASERTEC 30 SLM US system to only produce part contours without infill or support structures, Phase3D's Fringe Inspection technology proved invaluable. Such errors, if undetected, could lead to defective parts, printer damage, or necessitate a premature build cancellation. The system's ability to provide real-time heightmap data allowed the DEHub team to develop a clear stop condition.
The DEHub and Phase3D teams monitored the height of melted areas and checked subsequent powder layers for recoater issues. Fringe Inspection's measurements provided the data needed for a 'defensible go/no-go' decision as the build progressed. The heightmaps confirmed successful part geometry formation, with no signs of swelling, protrusion, or peeling, and indicated healthy powder layers. This evidence allowed the build to continue to successful completion.
"Day one is when inspection must prove its value. This build did not follow the plan, but DEHub did not have to choose between cancelling reflexively and hoping for the best," stated Niall O’Dowd, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Phase3D. "Fringe Inspection gave the team a measurement-driven basis to continue, without the possibility of a build crash or printer installation delay."
This partnership signifies a move towards data-driven quality assurance in metal AM. By integrating real-time monitoring, Rowan University and Phase3D are enhancing process understanding and anomaly detection. This approach is critical for building confidence in AM for high-value applications, potentially reducing scrap rates and accelerating qualification, which is vital for sectors like aerospace and defense.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.