Preliminary Nondestructive Testing Analysis on 3D Printed Structure Using Pulsed Thermography

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes have vastly improved over the years and 3D-printed parts are no longer solely being used for prototyping but also as final products. Where AM parts are used in low-volume products, nondestructive testing is critical to validate product performance. This paper will discuss using an infrared thermography technique known as Pulsed Thermography (PT) based on the analysis of a theoretical one-dimensional solution as a nondestructive testing method for quantitatively measuring defect depths within a 3D-printed part made from a thermoplastic ABS. This method has previously been applied to composites, ceramics, and metals for quantification of defects, but no work has been done for thermoplastic 3D printed parts. This technique can potentially be integrated into existing equipment for online monitoring during part construction. This paper will demonstrate the ability of a low-cost PT system to characterize the surface of 3D-printed parts and detect the effect of common parameter variations. The capability of a PT system as a viable NDT method to quantitatively analyze a 3D-printed part would allow for post process quality control in comparison to initial design and simulation.