Materialise, Sigma Labs Develop Platform to Enhance Scalability of Metal AM Applications
Platform is said to deliver industry-first ability to identify and address process and quality issues in real time.
Manufacturers can utilize the platform to optimize metal AM processes for consistency and repeatability, key factors in scaling AM operations for serial production. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Sigma Labs, a provider of quality assurance software, and Materialise, a provider of additive manufacturing (AM) software and services, have developed a technology to enhance the scalability of metal AM applications. The platform combines the Materialise Control Platform (MCP) and Sigma Labs’ PrintRite3D sensor technology to enable users to identify and correct metal build issues in real-time.
With added control over their unique processes, the companies say manufacturers can optimize metal AM processes for consistency and repeatability, key factors in scaling AM operations for serial production.
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The MCP is an embedded hardware solution that is said to provide end-users more control over the AM process. By integrating the MCP with Sigma Labs’ PrintRite3D sensor technology, the companies have created the possibility to identify quality issues and intervene to correct them in real time. This improves the productivity in metal AM and reduces scrap rates, paving the way for manufacturers to advance their operations and implement metal AM in serial production.
According to Materialise, the platform was developed to eliminate a common roadblock for manufacturers interested in using metal AM for serial production. The platform is designed to be open and flexible, enabling manufacturers to take control of their specific processes to fit their unique applications. This is said to make it possible for customers to leverage their expertise and truly take advantage of the customization and localization benefits that AM provides.
The combination of the MCP with Sigma’s real-time melt pool monitoring and analytics software is designed to improve the quality and consistency of 3D metal printing as more companies look to AM for production opportunities.
In addition to the platform, Materialise and Sigma Labs will collaborate with end-users and machine producers to refine processes for their unique applications. The companies are seeking partners across industries who are interested in expanding their use of metal AM in serial production.
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