Continually improving ways to fix defects in printing
3D laser scanning has created a tidal wave in the community and is one of the hottest topics surrounding technology. It has created a sustainable way to print things, but sometimes even though this technology is impressive, there can be defects or items that go wrong. This technology is not perfect, but it is well on its way to advancing and becoming close to perfect.
Researchers are using computer simulations and 3D laser scanning to discover strategies to fix the defects of anything that has been 3D laser printed. They are doing this by carefully studying how the 3D laser scanning and printing work, and figuring out where things go wrong and then developing ways to fix those problems.
The team of researchers observed that the 3D printer projected the laser beams on metal powder, producing the product layer by layer. However, the laser then created small splatters that landed back on the product creating defects or abnormalities. The team then went about researching how they could eliminate the splatter that would then reduce the defects.
“Spatter is the enemy of building nice parts; It’s not just small particles flying around, they can create a system of classes of spatter that can affect the build in different ways and scenarios,” from Saad Khairallah computational physicist.
What is 3D laser scanning and printing
This technology uses lasers to project lights over an object to measure the distance the light has to go from the device. It captures information through rapid pictures. Then the information that is obtained can be sent to a partnering system where it can be edited, studied, or sent to others that want to review it.
3D laser scanning is some of the most accurate technology there is, and it is now being used to study 3D laser printing to perfect the process. It captures data like size, texture, color, defects like scratches, holes, or anything you can think of. The information can be turned into virtual reality, or turned into a 3D file that can be sent to anyone. This technology creates a way for everyone to share information at a rapid speed, some of these others would not have access to this information without 3D laser scanning.
This technology was initially created in the 1960s but needed a lot of work before it was adopted. In the late 1990s, the use of 3D laser scanning started to pick up. It is now a handheld device that is easy to use and very convenient.
Final thoughts
There are many uses for 3D laser scanning, but as researchers study the process, it will become more accurate, faster, and incredibly precise. It has changed the way we produce things, but as more kinks get worked out, it will start entering many manufacturing places around the globe. This technology has changed the way we view the world, and we will continue to find uses for it.
