Abstract: A method of detecting a deformation in a lattice structure comprises capturing first image data of the lattice structure via a first image capturing device with a first telecentric lens and a second image capturing device with a second telecentric lens. The first telecentric lens is directed toward the lattice structure, and the second telecentric lens is spaced apart from the first telecentric lens and also directed toward the lattice structure. The method includes compressing the lattice structure; capturing second image data of the lattice structure via the first and second image capturing devices; and detecting the deformation based at least in part on the first and second image data.

Abstract: A system and method of testing a part manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. The part may be excited via an input mechanism that imparts an excitation force on the part to induce a dynamic response in the part. An output mechanism may be used to sense the dynamic response in the part. A processing element may be used to compare the dynamic response with a reference to identify an indication of excess powder in the part.

Abstract: A system and method for the non-destructive testing of additively manufactured parts. An input mechanism excites with an excitation force (e.g., a vibration) an additive manufacturing build structure, which includes a part on a build platform, to induce a dynamic response in the part. An output mechanism (e.g., a non-contact transducer) senses the induced dynamic response in the part. A processor determines and examines the relationship between the response and excitation to identify an indication of a defect in the part, and communicates an alert if the indication is identified. The processor may compare the phase, magnitude, coherence, or time delay of the relationship to a reference relationship and/or may compare the modal frequency or the modal damping to a reference to identify a deviation greater than a pre-established threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for the non-destructive testing of additively manufactured parts. An input mechanism excites with an excitation force (e.g., a vibration) an additive manufacturing build structure, which includes a part on a build platform, to induce a dynamic response in the part. An output mechanism (e.g., a non-contact transducer) senses the induced dynamic response in the part. A processor determines and examines the relationship between the response and excitation to identify an indication of a defect in the part, and communicates an alert if the indication is identified. The processor may compare the phase, magnitude, coherence, or time delay of the relationship to a reference relationship and/or may compare the modal frequency or the modal damping to a reference to identify a deviation greater than a pre-established threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for additive manufacturing a metal part having portions with varying microstructures. The method may include depositing an additive manufacturing powder on a surface and melting or sintering a first portion of the additive manufacturing powder while it is covered with a first type of cover gas. Next, the method may include melting or sintering a second portion of the additive manufacturing powder while it is covered with a second type of cover gas. The first portion may be a first layer of the additive manufacturing powder and the second portion may be a second layer of the additive manufacturing powder deposited after melting or sintering of the first layer. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion and the second portion may both include distinct portions of a single layer of the additive manufacturing powder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for additive manufacturing a metal part having portions with varying microstructures. The method may include depositing an additive manufacturing powder on a surface and melting or sintering a first portion of the additive manufacturing powder while it is covered with a first type of cover gas. Next, the method may include melting or sintering a second portion of the additive manufacturing powder while it is covered with to second type of cover gas. The first portion may be a first layer of the additive manufacturing powder and the second portion may be a second layer of the additive manufacturing powder deposited after melting or sintering of the first layer. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion and the second portion may both include distinct portions of a single layer of the additive manufacturing powder.