Software for AM Machines Increases OEE, Repeatability

According to AddUp Inc. CEO Rush LaSelle, as additive manufacturing looks to increase adoption, it will need to prove its reliability, repeatability and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Machine monitoring and software solutions enable users to run their AM machines to the fullest extent to produce accurate, high-quality parts consistently. The company’s director of global marketing, Sarah Plummer, says that the company’s booth emphasizes its software products with this goal in mind. Solutions on display include the recently released AddUp Dashboards multiscale monitoring software for both its FormUp 350 laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) machine and its BeAM directed energy deposition (DED) machines, which tracks and visualizes data including progress, pressure and oxygen levels. In addition, the company is showcasing its Meltpool Monitoring and Recoat Monitoring software programs. Recoating Monitoring prevents voids and overruns in parts made using LPBF, while Meltpool Monitoring ensures that the laser interacts correctly with the powder. Both can ensure quality in 3D printed parts by detecting anomalies and reducing the need for expensive testing methods such as CT scanning.