I2WAAM – Intelligent Inspection for WAAM

UNIDEMI-IDT-04

The objective of this work stemmed from the need to increase quality control in parts produced by WAAM, through tests that did not compromise the integrity or functionality of the component under examination.

Starting Date: 2020

Number of Partners: 3

Total Budget: 19,8K€

The objective of this work stemmed from the need to increase quality control in parts produced by WAAM, through tests that did not compromise the integrity or functionality of the component under examination.

In order to assist the technological development of online defect detection in additive manufacturing using Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), the objective was to develop a system called OIRA (Oxide and Impurity Removal Apparatus) to perform the necessary cleaning on the wire that feeds the 3D printing machine.

In addition to this mechanism, it was also necessary to construct an eddy current probe to inspect the wire, a pulley to assist its change of direction without plastic deformation, and a drive unit responsible for pulling the wire to cooperate with the motor already in operation in the WAAM machine.

Dedicated eddy current probes were also developed and produced for the inspection of the produced components, with the aim of detecting defects in the different materials used in the process.

Visit the project page here.