APPLICABILITY OF NDT METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF TYPICAL DEFECTS IN SELECTIVE LASER MELTING PARTS

Abstract

Nondestructive testing is an important part of any production process that is required to ensure the quality of materials and parts. The development of reliable nondestructive testing (NDT) methods applicable to novel materials and manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing is a challenging task because of the complex geometry and anisotropic material properties. The majority of review publications related to the NDT methods in the additive manufacturing process are focused on only one aspect: either the defect classification or NDT methods and quality control systems. In this study, various NDT methods such as X-ray testing, acoustic emission, IR thermography, etc. were analyzed from the point of view of an application for selective laser melting (SLM, one of the most common additive manufacturing processes of metal parts). Typical defects appearing in SLM parts were classified and matched with NDT methods able to detect them. Recommendations on the use of different methods for in-situ process monitoring and printed parts inspection are given.