In this study, we implement handheld laser-induced breakdown
spectroscopy (LIBS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers to detect
elemental impurities in additively manufactured ultra-high-temperature
ceramics (UHTCs). Spectral data were collected from digital light
processing (DLP) 3D-printed alumina (Al2O3) samples at various processing
stages. These stages included high-temperature debinding and sintering
phases used to bake out organic impurities and improve grain cohesion
of the ceramic. Spectral analysis revealed the presence of organic
impurities such as H and C together, with inorganic impurities such as
Na, Si, Ca, and Fe. A reduction in elemental impurities in the spectra
was observed as the ceramic samples were processed, validating the
effectiveness of handheld analyzers for in
situ rapid impurity detection and quality control in the
manufacturing of 3D-printed UHTCs.