Phase3D a Chicago-based start-up specializing in in-situ inspection for powder-based additive manufacturing (AM) has been awarded a two-year, $125 million contract by the Air Force Research Lab to develop a quality inspection system for cold spray technology (CSAM). This new technology will be installed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.
CSAM’s potential for producing large parts and rapidly repairing or refacing existing parts is significant, especially for the Department of Defense (DoD). One hurdle, however, is data collection during the manufacturing process. Phase3D is designed to provide high-quality, objective data for this purpose.
“Our flagship in-situ inspection system, Fringe, is being adapted to ensure consistent material deposition at CSAM,” the company explains. While advanced manufacturing is gaining popularity, collecting repeatable, quantifiable data for each step of the process is essential. The contract is intended to demonstrate a complete solution for in-situ monitoring of CSAM.
This contract builds on existing research by Phase3D and its research partners, including VRC Metals, subcontractor to this project. It will involve adapting Fringe, Phase3D’s in-situ inspection technology, to CSAM. It will produce high-quality quantitative elevation maps for the deposited metal powder and provide technicians* and engineers* with an intuitive visualization platform.
Project goals are to validate a working concept for structured light measurements on a CSAM system and to demonstrate a complete solution for real-time quality monitoring. This will provide the basis for CASM specifications and printing guidelines.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPResso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
