Abstract
Abstract
Industrial X-ray computed tomography has been applied to consumer-level 3D printing and an analysis method developed that allows quantitative comparison of parts built from the same CAD model. It is of interest to quantify the build accuracy of consumer-level 3D-printed parts and 3D printers, and this is generally done by 3D surface analysis technologies. However, X-ray tomography allows a much higher density of surface data than traditional surface scanners or coordinate measurement machines. In addition to this surface data, internal features can be visualized and quantified, such as macroporosity (purposely left space to save on printing cost), microporosity (space between insufficiently fused lines as well as internal porosity within the print line), and internal inclusions. Advanced dimensional measurements for quality control purposes are also possible, as well as part-to-CAD variance analysis. It is envisaged that such analyses will be particularly useful to validate the dimensional accuracy and assess the quality of products built with new printers or new filament types.
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