Renishaw InfiniAM Spectral Software Monitors Laser Powder-Bed Fusion

Renishaw Inc.’s InfiniAM Spectral process monitoring software is intended to help manufacturers overcome the barriers to AM in critical applications, process stability and part quality. Designed for the laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) process, the real-time monitoring software enables manufacturers to gather meltpool data for traceable production and process optimization. 

InfiniAM Spectral is part of a developing family of products that helps users capture, evaluate and store process data from Renishaw LPBF technologies, the company says. The software enables data capture, presentation and analysis, representing a powerful tool for developing a deep understanding of the AM process.

The software offers two measurement functions in the sensor modules. The first module, LaserView, uses a photosensitive diode to measure the intensity of the laser energy. The second module, MeltView, captures emissions from the melt pool in the near-infrared and infrared spectral ranges. These two sensor signals can be compared to help identify discrepancies.

MeltView and LaserView stream data across a conventional computer network on a layer-by-layer basis, so manufacturers can analyze process monitoring data in real-time. As the build progresses, the data is rendered live in 3D for viewing in InfiniAM Spectral. The engineer can compare the data from each sensor to identify any deviations, which may indicate the presence of anomalies that could lead to defects.

“The amount of process data generated during an AM build is immense, which means it can be difficult to make practical use of it without the correct interpretation tools,” says Robin Weston, marketing manager at Renishaw’s Additive Manufacturing Products Division. “InfiniAM Spectral enables manufacturers to easily interpret data and gain a more detailed understanding of their AM processes. Access to real-time data opens the door to future developments in process control—detecting and correcting problems in real-time.”

InfiniAM Spectral will be beneficial to manufacturers producing a series of identical parts in high-value applications. When producing the first part in a series, data from LaserView and MeltView can be compared with existing X-ray or Computed Tomography (CT) data from a known good part. The manufacturer can use this signal data and can compare it against data from subsequent parts to judge quality and consistency, the company says.