AI in 3D printing, where it really helps and where it does not
Artificial intelligence in additive manufacturing really works in two places today, closed loop process control and parameter optimization. A look at the...
Topics
Quality and inspection
Analysis by Svetozar Kolesar
Comparing alloys in metal additive manufacturing: 316L, 17-4PH, Ti-6Al-4V and 18Ni300
The four alloys that appear most often in the portfolios of metal AM system manufacturers. Data from more than fifteen manufacturers, independent laboratory verification and academic literature, side by side and with clear limitations.
How a single part gets qualified for production
A qualified process does not mean every part is good. How the scope of verification follows the part's criticality, the three acceptance stages in ISO/ASTM 52901, and what is actually tested on the part.
Reverse engineering and 3D scanning, from a part without a drawing to a new part
When no drawing exists for a part, reverse engineering is the way to a CAD model. What the process from scan to new part looks like, which scanning method to use when, what is legally allowed, and how 3D scanning checks a printed part.
Software that makes the difference in additive manufacturing
Industrial additive manufacturing does not work seriously without a dedicated software layer for build preparation, simulation, machine control and quality...
Why factory profiles are not enough for serious work
A factory profile is made for everyone, so it is optimized for no one. When it is enough, when it isn't, and how to tune and lock a profile for repeatable production.
Latest news
Phase3D releases custom Fringe Inspection hardware for LPBF machines
Phase3D has launched the next generation of its Fringe Inspection series, built specifically for laser powder bed fusion. After a multi-year development effort, the company moves from off-the-shelf parts to a custom design meant for volume production and for integration by machine makers.
Home PC-ABS prints match Stratasys Fortus parts in most tests
A video test by Igor of My Tech Fun compared PC-ABS parts from a Stratasys Fortus 450mc with parts from a Prusa Core One L and a Bambu Lab H2D using Polymaker filament. The industrial parts were more dimensionally accurate, while the home prints looked better, and mechanical differences were mostly small.
Stratasys gets $7.8 million to build in-process quality monitoring for FDM
Stratasys has been awarded $7.8 million through the 2026 America Makes and Department of War Organic Industrial Base Modernization Challenge. The 24-month project will develop on-site quality assurance for the F3300 and F900 industrial FDM platforms. The aim is to generate process data during the build and so reduce reliance on post-build inspection and qualification.