OPTICAL MANUFACTURING PROCESS SENSING AND STATUS INDICATION SYSTEM

An optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system is taught that is able to utilize optical emissions from a manufacturing process to infer the state of the process. In one case, it is able to use these optical emissions to distinguish thermal phenomena on two timescales and to perform feature extraction and classification so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process. In other case, it is able to utilize these optical emissions to derive corresponding spectra and identify features within those spectra so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process. 1. A manufacturing process sensing and status indication system comprising:(a) one or more optical sensors configured to measure the optical emissions from the manufacturing process over a range of wavelengths from 200 nanometers to 1000 nanometers, and produce time-domain optical data;(b) one or more thermal sensors configured to measure thermal phenomena at two different characteristic timescales, a first timescale associated with the application of heat into the manufacturing process by an external heat source and a second timescale associated with the material response to the application of heat within the manufacturing process by the external heat source, and produce time-domain thermal data;(c) an analysis system configured to provide(c1) a first feature extraction process that extracts, from the time domain optical and thermal data, features that are related to the heating rate, cooling rate and peak temperature of the thermal cycles associated with the application of heat into the manufacturing process by an external heat ...

Multi-sensor quality inference and control for additive manufacturing processes

This invention teaches a multi-sensor quality inference system for additive manufacturing. This invention still further teaches a quality system that is capable of discerning and addressing three quality issues: i) process anomalies, or extreme unpredictable events uncorrelated to process inputs; ii) process variations, or difference between desired process parameters and actual operating conditions; and iii) material structure and properties, or the quality of the resultant material created by the Additive Manufacturing process. This invention further teaches experimental observations of the Additive Manufacturing process made only in a Lagrangian frame of reference. This invention even further teaches the use of the gathered sensor data to evaluate and control additive manufacturing operations in real time.

FEATURE EXTRACTION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

The present invention provides a feature extraction system that extracts geometrical features of a part using in-process data acquired during an additive manufacturing process. The geometric features are extracted by applying a number of image processing operations to images taken of a powder bed during the additive manufacturing process. In this way, both internal and external geometries of the part can be characterized. In some embodiments, geometric feature extraction can be used in conjunction with other part characterizing operations, such as for example, thermal characterization processes. 1. An automated additive manufacturing apparatus for producing a part on a powder bed , the automated manufacturing apparatus comprising:a heat source configured to apply energy to deposited layers of powder arranged on the powder bed;an image capture device configured to periodically capture layer images of deposited layers of powder on the powder bed; anda processor configured to apply image processing to each layer image to extract geometric features of the part for each layer, and to compare the geometric features to baseline data that includes tolerances associated with the extracted geometric features,wherein the heat source applies energy by scanning across each deposited layer of powder in a pattern defined by the processor that corresponds to a geometry of the part.2. The automated additive manufacturing apparatus as recited in wherein the processor is further configured to determine dimensions of each pixel in the layer images by analyzing a flat field image taken by the image capture device that includes a calibration target positioned on the powder bed.3. The automated additive manufacturing apparatus as recited in wherein the processor is further configured to utilize the flat field image as a baseline image that helps distinguish sintered powder from powder that has not been sintered.4. The automated additive manufacturing apparatus as recited in further ...

OPTICAL FILTER HAVING DUAL POLARIZATION

An additive manufacturing system comprises a build plane and an energy source configured to direct energy onto a work region of the build plane. An optical detector is configured to receive one or more optical signals from the work region. An optical filter is positioned between the work region and the optical detector, wherein the optical filter includes a first partially transmissive polarized filter having a first polarization axis and a second partially transmissive polarized filter having a second polarization axis. The first polarization axis is rotationally offset from the second polarization axis approximately 90 degrees. The optical filter improves the signal to noise ratio of the optical sensors. 1. An additive manufacturing system comprising:a build plane;an energy source configured to direct energy onto a work region of the build plane;an optical detector configured to receive one or more optical signals from the work region; andan optical filter positioned between the work region and the optical detector, the optical filter including a first partially transmissive polarized filter having a first polarization axis and a second partially transmissive polarized filter having a second polarization axis wherein the first polarization axis is rotationally offset from the second polarization axis.2. The additive manufacturing system of wherein:the first partially transmissive polarized filter allows the optical signals having an electric field not aligned with the first polarization axis to pass through with between 20 percent and 80 percent transmittance; andthe second partially transmissive polarized filter allows the optical signals having an electric field not aligned with the second polarization axis to pass through with between 20 percent and 80 percent transmittance.3. The additive manufacturing system of wherein:the first partially transmissive polarized filter allows the optical signals having an electric field not aligned with the first polarization ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, real-time quality system including sensors, affiliated hardware, and data processing algorithms that are Lagrangian-Eulerian with respect to the reference frames of its associated input measurements. The quality system for Additive Manufacturing is capable of measuring true in-process state variables associated with an additive manufacturing process, i.e. those in-process variables that define a feasible process space within which the process is deemed nominal. The in-process state variables can also be correlated to the part structure or microstructure and can then be useful in identifying particular locations within the part likely to include defects. 1. An automated additive manufacturing apparatus for producing a part on a powder bed , the automated manufacturing apparatus comprising:a heat source;a processor;a scan head configured to direct energy received from the heat source towards a layer of powder arranged on the powder bed in a pattern defined by the processor that corresponds to a shape of the part;a first optical sensor configured to determine a temperature associated with a fixed portion of the part; anda second optical sensor configured to receive light emitted by a portion of the layer of powder being melted by the energy from the heat source through the scan head,wherein the processor is configured to receive sensor data from the first and second optical sensors during an additive manufacturing operation to characterize a quality of various portions of the part.2. The automated manufacturing apparatus as recited in wherein the processor is configured to use temperature data collected by the first optical sensor to calibrate temperature data collected by the second optical sensor.3. The automated manufacturing apparatus as recited in wherein processor is configured to use the temperature data collected by the first and second optical ...

MULTI-SENSOR QUALITY INFERENCE AND CONTROL FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

This invention teaches a multi-sensor quality inference system for additive manufacturing. This invention still further teaches a quality system that is capable of discerning and addressing three quality issues: i) process anomalies, or extreme unpredictable events uncorrelated to process inputs; ii) process variations, or difference between desired process parameters and actual operating conditions; and iii) material structure and properties, or the quality of the resultant material created by the Additive Manufacturing process. This invention further teaches experimental observations of the Additive Manufacturing process made only in a Lagrangian frame of reference. This invention even further teaches the use of the gathered sensor data to evaluate and control additive manufacturing operations in real time. 1. An additive manufacturing method , comprising:monitoring the temperature of a first portion of a build plane during an additive manufacturing operation using a first optical temperature sensor;monitoring the temperature of a second portion of the build plane that includes the first portion using a second optical temperature sensor;detecting a change in state of material within the first portion as a heat source passes through the first portion of the build plane with the first sensor;calibrating the second sensor by correlating the change in phase detected by the first sensor with information collected by the second sensor during the detected phase change; andchanging an amount of heat supplied by the heat source in accordance with the calibrated temperature information provided by the second sensor.2. The additive manufacturing method of claim 1 , wherein changing the amount of heat supplied by the heat source comprises shutting off the heat source.3. The additive manufacturing method of claim 1 , wherein changing the amount of heat supplied by the heat source comprises increasing the amount of heat supplied by the heat source in response to detecting ...

Optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system

An optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system is taught that is able to utilize optical emissions from a manufacturing process to infer the state of the process. In one case, it is able to use these optical emissions to distinguish thermal phenomena on two timescales and to perform feature extraction and classification so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process. In other case, it is able to utilize these optical emissions to derive corresponding spectra and identify features within those spectra so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, real-time quality system including sensors, affiliated hardware, and data processing algorithms that are Lagrangian-Eulerian with respect to the reference frames of its associated input measurements. The quality system for Additive Manufacturing is capable of measuring true in-process state variables associated with an additive manufacturing process, i.e. those in-process variables that define a feasible process space within which the process is deemed nominal. The in-process state variables can also be correlated to the part structure or microstructure and can then be useful in identifying particular locations within the part likely to include defects. 1. An additive manufacturing system , comprising:a scan head;a build plane;a heat source configured to transmit energy through the scan head and toward the build plane;a first optical sensor configured to receive light emitted by a portion of a layer of metal material positioned on the build plane through the scan head;a second optical sensor having a fixed field of view relative to the build plane and being configured to receive light emitted by the layer of metal material; and depositing a layer of metal material on the build plane;', 'melting a portion of the layer of metal material using the heat source;', 'monitoring an amount of energy emitted by the heat source using both the first and second optical sensors to generate respective first and second datasets;', 'comparing the first and second datasets with ranges associated with a known-good range of a baseline dataset to determine whether one or more portions of the part may include a manufacturing defect; and', 'in response to the comparing of the first and second datasets indicating one or more portions of the part may include a manufacturing defect, adjusting the additive manufacturing operation., 'a processor configured to execute computer ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, real-time quality system including sensors, affiliated hardware, and data processing algorithms that are Lagrangian-Eulerian with respect to the reference frames of its associated input measurements. The quality system for Additive Manufacturing is capable of measuring true in-process state variables associated with an additive manufacturing process, i.e. those in-process variables that define a feasible process space within which the process is deemed nominal. The in-process state variables can also be correlated to the part structure or microstructure and can then be useful in identifying particular locations within the part likely to include defects. 1. An additive manufacturing system , comprising:a scan head;a build plane;a heat source configured to transmit energy through the scan head and toward the build plane;a first optical sensor configured to receive light emitted by a portion of a layer of metal material positioned on the build plane through the scan head;a second optical sensor having a fixed field of view relative to the build plane and being configured to receive light emitted by the layer of metal material; and depositing a layer of metal material on the build plane;', 'melting a portion of the layer of metal material using the heat source;', 'monitoring an amount of energy emitted by the heat source using both the first and second optical sensors to generate respective first and second datasets;', 'comparing the first and second datasets with ranges associated with a known-good range of a baseline dataset to determine whether one or more portions of the part may include a manufacturing defect; and', 'in response to the comparing of the first and second datasets indicating one or more portions of the part may include a manufacturing defect, adjusting the additive manufacturing operation., 'a processor configured to execute computer ...

DETERMINATION AND CONTROL OF COOLING RATE IN AN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

An additive manufacturing system includes a work region having a layer of metallic powder distributed across at least a portion of the work region. The system further includes a power source, a scanning and focusing system and a processor. The processor is configured to control the power source to emit a beam of energy at a power level and to manipulate the beam of energy across the work region in a plurality of build tracks to form a part from the fused metallic powder. The processor further determines a cooling rate at a termination of each of the plurality of build tracks and controls the power level of the power source in response to the determined cooling rate. 1. An additive manufacturing system comprising:a power source configured to emit a beam of energy that impinges a work region of a build plane;a sensor configured to sense a temperature of the work region; anda processor coupled to the sensor and configured to determine a cooling rate of the work region after the power source has been terminated.2. The additive manufacturing system of wherein the sensor comprises a first emissivity sensor configured to detect a first range of wavelengths and a second emissivity detector configured to detect a second range of wavelengths claim 1 , wherein the first and the second range are different ranges.3. The additive manufacturing system of wherein the first range of wavelengths and the second range of wavelengths are selected to be offset from one or more characteristic spectral peaks related to material properties of a metallic powder distributed across at least a portion of the work region.4. The additive manufacturing system of wherein the beam of energy creates a transient melt pool of the metallic powder.5. The additive manufacturing system of wherein the processor is configured to generate a notification if the determined cooling rate of the melt pool is outside of an allowable range of cooling rates.6. The additive manufacturing system of wherein the power ...

Optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system

An optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system is taught that is able to utilize optical emissions from a manufacturing process to infer the state of the process. In one case, it is able to use these optical emissions to distinguish thermal phenomena on two timescales and to perform feature extraction and classification so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process. In other case, it is able to utilize these optical emissions to derive corresponding spectra and identify features within those spectra so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process.

Multi-sensor quality inference and control for additive manufacturing processes

This invention teaches a multi-sensor quality inference system for additive manufacturing. This invention still further teaches a quality system that is capable of discerning and addressing three quality issues: i) process anomalies, or extreme unpredictable events uncorrelated to process inputs; ii) process variations, or difference between desired process parameters and actual operating conditions; and iii) material structure and properties, or the quality of the resultant material created by the Additive Manufacturing process. This invention further teaches experimental observations of the Additive Manufacturing process made only in a Lagrangian frame of reference. This invention even further teaches the use of the gathered sensor data to evaluate and control additive manufacturing operations in real time.

Method and system for monitoring generative manufacturing processes

Diese Erfindung lehrt ein Qualitätssicherungssystem für eine generative Fertigung. Diese Erfindung lehrt einen Multi-sensor, ein Echtzeit-Qualitätssystem, welches Sensoren umfasst, eine eingegliederte Hardware und Datenbearbeitungsalgorithmen, welche in Bezug auf Bezugssysteme der zugehörigen Input-Messungen lagrange (d. h. in einem bewegten Bezugssystem) oder eulersch (d. h. in einem fixierten Bezugssystem) sind. Das Qualitätssystem für eine generative Fertigung ist fähig tatsächliche Prozessstatusvariablen in Verbindung mit einem generativen Fertigungsprozess zu messen, d. h. solche Prozessvariablen, die einen möglichen Prozessraum definieren, in dem der Prozess für nominell erachtet wird. Die Prozessstatusvariablen können ebenso mit der Teilstruktur oder der Mikrostruktur korreliert werden und so hilfreich sein, bestimmte Bereiche innerhalb des Teils zu identifizieren, die wahrscheinlich Defekte beinhalten. This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, a real-time quality system comprising sensors, integrated hardware and data processing algorithms which lagrange with respect to reference systems of the associated input measurements (ie in a moving frame of reference) or Eulersch (ie in a fixed frame of reference). are. The quality system for additive manufacturing is capable of measuring actual process status variables in conjunction with a generative manufacturing process; H. those process variables that define a possible process space in which the process is considered nominal. The process state variables can also be correlated with the substructure or microstructure and thus be helpful in identifying certain areas within the part that are likely to contain defects.

Rapid antemortem detection of infectious agents

Methods for detection of the presence or absence of PrP Sc in a biological sample suspected of having them comprising the steps of concentrating the PrP Sc as may be present in the sample by substantially separating the PrP Sc from the sample matrix; labeling the concentrated PrP Sc with at least one molecular label to produce labeled PrP Sc; and detecting the labeled PrP Sc on an instrument capable of detecting an attomole quantity of labeled PrP Sc, and wherein the duration of time between concentrating the PrP Sc and analyzing the labeled PrP Sc is about 48 hours or less.

Fiber optical assembly for fluorescence spectrometry

System is provided for detecting the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample, said system comprising an elongated, transparent container for a sample; an excitation source in optical communication with the sample, wherein radiation from the excitation source is directed along the length of the sample, and wherein the radiation induces a signal which is emitted from the sample; and, at least two linear arrays disposed about the sample holder, each linear array comprising a plurality of optical fibers having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the fibers are disposed along the length of the container and in proximity thereto; the second ends of the fibers of each array are bundled together to form a single end port.

Rapid antemortem detection of infectious agents

Methods for detection of the presence or absence of PrP in a biological sample suspected of having them comprising the steps of concentrating the PrP as may be present in the sample by substantially separating the PrPfrom the sample matrix; labeling the concentrated PrPwith at least one molecular label to produce labeled PrP; and detecting the labeled PrP on an instrument capable of detecting an attomole quantity of labeled PrP, and wherein the duration of time between concentrating the PrP and analyzing the labeled PrP is about 48 hours or less.

Fiber optical asssembly for fluorescence spectrometry

System is provided for detecting the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample, said system comprising an elongated, transparent container for a sample; an excitation source in optical communication with the sample, wherein radiation from the excitation source is directed along the length of the sample, and wherein the radiation induces a signal which is emitted from the sample; and, at least two linear arrays disposed about the sample holder, each linear array comprising a plurality of optical fibers having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the fibers are disposed along the length of the container and in proximity thereto; the second ends of the fibers of each array are bundled together to form a single end port.

Pulsed multiline co2 laser oscillator apparatus and method

APPARATUS AND METHOD Abstract of the Disclosure An apparatus and method for producing a multiline output from a CO2 laser comprising an optical resonant cavity containing gaseous CO2, means for producing a controlled electrical glow discharge within the gas, such as Rogowski profile electrodes connected to a high voltage source, preferably mode locking means such as an acoustooptic modulator, and means within the cavity for producing a wavelength dependent loss, such as a Fabry-Perot etalon filter. The apparatus and method disclosed in the specification greatly increase the efficiency of energy extraction from large CO2 laser amplifiers such as those contemplated for use in inducing nuclear fusion. The means for producing wavelength dependent loss within the laser oscillator cavity lowers the net gain of the usually dominant P(20) transition enough to allow the P(16), P(18), P(22), and P(24) transitions to successfully compete for available upper state population. In prior art pulsed laser oscillators, only the P(20) transition reached laser threshold because of its anomalously high gain coefficient at the expense of the remainder of the nearby rotational transitions. Thus in prior art lasers, the P(20) line dominated the output in all gain switched and mode locked Transverse Excited Atmospheric (TEA) laser oscillators, including electron beam controlled devices.

High resolution non-contact interior profilometer

Apparatus and method for inspecting the interior surfaces of devices (16) such as vessels having a single entry port. Laser energy is launched into the vessel, and the light reflected from the interior surfaces is interfered with reference laser energy to produce an interference pattern. This interference pattern is analyzed to reveal information about the condition of the interior surfaces of the device (16) inspected.

Determination and control of cooling rate in an additive manufacturing system

An additive manufacturing system includes a work region having a layer of metallic powder distributed across at least a portion of the work region. The system further includes a power source, a scanning and focusing system and a processor. The processor is configured to control the power source to emit a beam of energy at a power level and to manipulate the beam of energy across the work region in a plurality of build tracks to form a part from the fused metallic powder. The processor further determines a cooling rate at a termination of each of the plurality of build tracks and controls the power level of the power source in response to the determined cooling rate.

Multi-sensor quality inference and control for additive manufacturing processes

This invention teaches a multi-sensor quality inference system for additive manufacturing. This invention still further teaches a quality system that is capable of discerning and addressing three quality issues: i) process anomalies, or extreme unpredictable events uncorrelated to process inputs; ii) process variations, or difference between desired process parameters and actual operating conditions; and iii) material structure and properties, or the quality of the resultant material created by the Additive Manufacturing process. This invention further teaches experimental observations of the Additive Manufacturing process made only in a Lagrangian frame of reference. This invention even further teaches the use of the gathered sensor data to evaluate and control additive manufacturing operations in real time.

Optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system

An optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system is taught that is able to utilize optical emissions from a manufacturing process to infer the state of the process. In one case, it is able to use these optical emissions to distinguish thermal phenomena on two timescales and to perform feature extraction and classification so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process. In other case, it is able to utilize these optical emissions to derive corresponding spectra and identify features within those spectra so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process.

Powder bed defect detection and machine learning

In some aspects, the additive manufacturing system may access, by a processor of an additive manufacturing system, a machine learning model that is trained to identify defects within a build plane. Also, the additive manufacturing system may capture, by an imaging system of the additive manufacturing system, an image of a build plane of the additive manufacturing system. The build plane can contain an object being manufactured through an additive manufacturing process. In addition, the additive manufacturing system may provide, by the processor, the captured image as an input to the machine learning model. Moreover, the additive manufacturing system may receive, by the processor, an output from the machine learning model identifying a defect in the build plane.

Defect detection for additive manufacturing systems

This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, real-time quality system including sensors, affiliated hardware, and data processing algorithms that are Lagrangian-Eulerian with respect to the reference frames of its associated input measurements. The quality system for Additive Manufacturing is capable of measuring true in-process state variables associated with an additive manufacturing process, i.e., those in-process variables that define a feasible process space within which the process is deemed nominal. The in-process state variables can also be correlated to the part structure or microstructure and can then be useful in identifying particular locations within the part likely to include defects.

Defect detection for additive manufacturing systems

This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, real-time quality system including sensors, affiliated hardware, and data processing algorithms that are Lagrangian-Eulerian with respect to the reference frames of its associated input measurements. The quality system for Additive Manufacturing is capable of measuring true in-process state variables associated with an additive manufacturing process, i.e., those in-process variables that define a feasible process space within which the process is deemed nominal. The in-process state variables can also be correlated to the part structure or microstructure and can then be useful in identifying particular locations within the part likely to include defects.

Defect detection for additive manufacturing systems

This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, real-time quality system including sensors, affiliated hardware, and data processing algorithms that are Lagrangian-Eulerian with respect to the reference frames of its associated input measurements. The quality system for Additive Manufacturing is capable of measuring true in-process state variables associated with an additive manufacturing process, i.e., those in-process variables that define a feasible process space within which the process is deemed nominal. The in-process state variables can also be correlated to the part structure or microstructure and can then be useful in identifying particular locations within the part likely to include defects.

Gerät und verfahren zum kalibrieren von on-axistemperatursensorenfür additive fertigungssysteme

Diese Offenlegungsschrift beschreibt diverse Verfahren und Geräte zur Kalibrierung von Temperatursensoren in additiven Fertigungssystemen. Ein Verfahren zur Kalibrierung von Temperatursensoren kann das Auswählen einer ersten Wellenlänge und einer zweiten, von der ersten Wellenlänge beabstandeten Wellenlänge einschließen; Messen einer Menge an Energie, welche von einer Schwarzkörperquelle mit der ersten Wellenlänge ausgestrahlt wird; Messen einer Menge an Energie, welche von der Schwarzkörperquelle mit der zweiten Wellenlänge ausgestrahlt wird; Erzeugen einer Beziehung zwischen einem Verhältnis der Menge an Energie, welche mit der ersten Wellenlänge ausgestrahlt wird, zu einer Menge an Energie, welche mit der zweiten Wellenlänge ausgestrahlt wird; Bestimmen, unter Verwendung der Beziehung, von Variationen einer Temperatur einer Bauebene eines additiven Fertigungssystems, basierend auf einem Verhältnis von Energie, welche mit der ersten Wellenlänge ausgestrahlt wird, zu Energie, welche mit der zweiten Wellenlänge ausgestrahlt wird.

Optical filter having dual polarization

An additive manufacturing system comprises a build plane and an energy source configured to direct energy onto a work region of the build plane. An optical detector is configured to receive one or more optical signals from the work region. An optical filter is positioned between the work region and the optical detector, wherein the optical filter includes a first partially transmissive polarized filter having a first polarization axis and a second partially transmissive polarized filter having a second polarization axis. The first polarization axis is rotationally offset from the second polarization axis approximately 90 degrees. The optical filter improves the signal to noise ratio of the optical sensors..

積層造形システムのための軸上温度センサを較正するための装置および方法

【課題】積層造形システム用の温度センサを較正するための装置および方法に関する。【解決手段】温度センサの較正のための方法は、第１の波長および第１の波長から離間した第２の波長を選択するステップと、第１の波長で黒体ソースから放射されるエネルギー量を測定するステップと、第２の波長で黒体ソースから放射されるエネルギー量を測定するステップと、第２の波長で放射されたエネルギー量に対する第１の波長で放射されたエネルギー量の比の間の関係を生成するステップと、関係を使用して、第２の波長で放射されたエネルギーに対する第１の波長で放射されたエネルギーの比に基づいて、積層造形システムの構築面の温度の変動を決定するステップと、を含むことができる。【選択図】図１

High resolution non-contact interior profilometer

Optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system

An optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system is taught that is able to utilize optical emissions from a manufacturing process to infer the state of the process. In one case, it is able to use these optical emissions to distinguish thermal phenomena on two timescales and to perform feature extraction and classification so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process. In other case, it is able to utilize these optical emissions to derive corresponding spectra and identify features within those spectra so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process.

Method and system for monitoring additive manufacturing processes

This invention teaches a quality assurance system for additive manufacturing. This invention teaches a multi-sensor, real-time quality system including sensors, affiliated hardware, and data processing algorithms that are Lagrangian-Eulerian with respect to the reference frames of its associated input measurements. The quality system for Additive Manufacturing is capable of measuring true in-process state variables associated with an additive manufacturing process, i.e. those in-process variables that define a feasible process space within which the process is deemed nominal. The in-process state variables can also be correlated to the part structure or microstructure and can then be useful in identifying particular locations within the part likely to include defects.