Innovations such as 3D printing, which enable the manufacturing of complex components, are advancing faster than the necessary quality control systems. An EU-funded project, INTERAQCT, has fine-tuned techniques for fast and accurate CT model acquisition, with special emphasis on 3D printed, composite and multi-material parts, for improved reliability of measurement and defect detection.
A consequence of advanced manufacturing technologies is that some internal structures tend to be inaccessible and so quality control is necessarily destructive. This is clearly problematic for high-added value products, where customers nonetheless expect reliability and certified quality. Computed Tomography (CT) has been heralded as an answer, making visible as it does internal structures and moreover combining dimensional metrology and material defect analysis. However, the technology has its limitations.
Further details: Improved X-ray Computed Tomography for quality control of advanced manufactured parts