Thermal Imaging Offers Efficiency in EB-PBF Defect Evaluation

LAI International’s Thermal Imaging Rendering & Analysis (TIRA) technology has been developed to enable quality analysis for electron beam powder-bed fusion (EB-PBF) additive manufacturing. The technology analyzes the internal material of additively manufactured parts and is meant to be a more efficient alternative to CT scans and X-rays. 

The technology uses in-process, near-infrared images collected during the build to conduct in-depth analyses on possible indications. Quantitative studies have shown the technology’s results to be consistent for location, quantity and size of defects, the company says. This service is offered with all of the company’s EB-PBF builds.

The company provides a report in its post-build quality package which includes a list of defect indication location, sizes and quantities for each individual part, as well as a corresponding model to visualize the exact location and shape of each indication.