Sigma Labs demonstrates proof of concept for closed loop quality control during metal additive manufacturing

Sigma Labs, Inc., a provider of quality assurance software under the PrintRite3D brand, announced that the company has developed and demonstrated closed-loop feedback control of the metal laser powder bed fusion 3D printing process. Using Sigma’s PrintRite3D technology, the system operates by monitoring the process output and extracting process metrics. The process metrics are then compared to baseline metrics. The system then determines what process input parameter values need to be changed and implements those remedial changes in real time by signaling a change in the laser power in order to maintain the process under control.

Mark Cola, Chief Technology Officer of Sigma Labs, stated, “Automatic feedback process control was the next step in completing Sigma Labs’ suite of sensing, monitoring, and control capabilities of metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Our addition of real-time process control clearly sets Sigma as the leader in AM process quality assurance.”

Cola further stated, “By achieving this advanced understanding of quality variation and machine learning for metal AM machines that the Factories of the Future require, Sigma Labs has demonstrated that it is possible to bring the future to the present.”
Sigma Labs has patents pending covering its closed loop control of melt pool quality during metal AM using its PrintRite3D technology. Sigma is planning beta testing with select, end-user customers across various market segments.

Sigma Labs
www.sigmalabsinc.com