Precision Metrology for Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a layer-by-layer manufacturing method from 3D digital model, without using molds, fixtures and tools. This rapidly developing technology provides opportunity to obtain customized products with complex geometries, freeform shapes, internal cavities and lattice. However, lack of quality insurance procedures and policies are the gaps waiting to be filled. Precision metrology is the key factor for inspection of dimensional tolerances and surface quality of AM manufactured parts. For filling these gaps precision measurement techniques have to be developed parallel with additive manufacturing technology. With the 4th industrial revolution it would be possible to inspect the produced parts during manufacturing process by using in-line measurement techniques. Coordinate metrology (CMM), optical metrology and industrial computed tomography (x-CT) are primary precision measurement techniques used for quality control of the AM parts. In this study an application of the optical metrology for AM parts are given and measurement steps are investigated in terms of controlling dimensional deviations.