AddUp’s In-Process Monitoring Software Displays Real-Time Status at a Glance

AddUp Inc.’s process monitoring software suite aims to bolster the capabilities of its FormUp 350 Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) machine and accelerate the adoption of its metal 3D printing technology by increasing confidence in part quality for both prototyping and end-use industrial applications. The suite includes AddUp Dashboards, Recoat Monitoring and Meltpool Monitoring. 

AddUp Dashboards is a multiscale monitoring software available with all AddUp FormUp PBF and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) machines. According to the company, the software provides a clear picture of both real-time and historic process data for a machine, and presents it in an easy-to-read dashboard view.

The software collects production data in real time and presents it in dashboards tailored to the individual needs of different users. Fully configurable and capable of emitting different alarms, the software is designed to help improve manufacturing efficiency, conduct analysis for defects on a part and monitor a workshop composed of several machines.

The company says the most advanced solution in the suite is the Meltpool Monitoring, which is intended to provide visibility on printing execution at the microscopic scale. Several parameters are measured at very high frequency — such as the position of the laser spot, the power delivered and the emissivity of the melt pool. This data is also available in real time.

The system is said to enable the possibility of characterizing defects without destroying the part, which is beneficial for distinct one-off builds. In the case of mass production, it can be used to create a footprint to serve as a point of comparison for all future production builds.

One of the beneficial elements in the Monitoring Suite is the analysis of the layering quality. Called Recoat Monitoring, the company says this program can proactively correct faults during production. Operating on a closed loop principle, this in-production analysis checks the homogeneity of the powder bed, revealing the possible presence of deposits or lack of powder. The algorithms developed by AddUp enable users to assign a score and trigger a correction sequence, when necessary.