New possibilities for in situ CT analysis of additive manufactured samples

Abstract

Industrial Computed Tomography (CT) is a broadly used measurement method allowing for quality control of objects produced using additive manufacturing methods. The combination of tensile tests and simultaneous 3D imaging of the behavior of an object under a particular force (i.e. in situ examination – during the process) significantly broadens the possibilities of analyzing objects with a complex internal geometry. The purpose of this paper is to present the author’s project of a mini testing machine, to verify its functioning with regards to a static testing machine, and to present the initial in situ examination results for polymer samples.

Investigation of porosity behavior in SLS polyamide-12 samples using ex-situ X-ray computed tomography

“…Partic-ularly interesting are the studies that allow for the combination of mechanical tests with synchronous imaging of the internal and external structure of samples, which is possible thanks to the use of XCT. Such tests are carried out under in-situ conditions [15], when the sample is subjected to a tensile test with simultaneous imaging of its damage behavior, or in ex-situ conditions [16], where the sample is imaged at least twice before and after the mechanical test. In both cases, an insight into the behavior of the internal structure of the tested objects is gained during functional research, when the tests are conducted during the interaction of a force.…”