Abstract
MicroCT is a well-established technique that is used to analyze the interior of objects non-destructively, and it is especially useful for void or porosity analysis. Besides its widespread use, few standards exist and none for additive manufacturing as yet. This is due to the inherent differences in part design, sizes and geometries, which results in different scan resolutions and qualities. This makes direct comparison between different scans of additively manufactured parts almost impossible. In addition, different image analysis methodologies can produce different results. In this method paper, we present a simplified 10?mm cube-shaped coupon sample as a standard size for detailed analysis of porosity using microCT, and a simplified workflow for obtaining porosity information. The aim is to be able to obtain directly comparable porosity information from different samples from the same AM system and even from different AM systems, and to potentially correlate detailed morphologies of the pores or voids with improper process parameters. The method is applied to two examples of different characteristic types of voids in AM: sub-surface lack of fusion due to improper contour scanning, and tree-like pores growing in the build direction. This standardized method demonstrates the capability for microCT to not only quantify porosity, but also identify void types which can be used to improve AM process optimization.
Highlights
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a fast growing and reliable manufacturing method, with critical metal parts for medical and aerospace applications being produced and processing workflows qualified for the purpose, see for example [1]
Defects should be minimized in size and extent, which can be achieved through process parameter optimization [4]
We demonstrate here a simple method to measure the image quality in CT images: a 2.5 mm cube is selected inside the coupon sample 10 mm cube and provides an average grey value and a standard deviation of grey values within this cube
Summary
Standard method for microCT-based additive manufacturing quality control 1: Porosity analysis. Anton du Plessisa,*, Philip Sperlingb, Andre Beerlinkb, Lerato Tshabalalac, Shaik Hoosainc, Ntombi Mathec, Stephan G. le Rouxa a CT Scanner Facility, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa b YXLON International GmbH, Hamburg, Germany c National Laser Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
