X-ray Computed Tomography for Materials Science #11. Additive Manufacturing in Computed Tomography

Additive manufacturing (AM) is quickly becoming a major production method, enabling versatile structure designs and offering a wide range of material choices. However, AM-made parts often have often-complex geometries with internal structures, which are not accessible from the outside by traditional analysis techniques such as coordinating measurement machines or optical scanners. This makes the characterization of these parts challenging.  

In this episode, we will discuss how X-ray computed tomography (CT) can non-destructively access these internal structures, voids, cracks, as well as the external shape. Dimensional inspection including actual to nominal comparison, section thickness,  mechanical load distribution of final product, as well as metal powder morphology are characterized for both qualitative visual inspection and quantitative analysis. Analysis examples from various AM feedstock, such as polymer, metal, and ceramic will be discussed.