Qualification Test Artifact
In Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) manufacturing, there is no widely adopted, standardized test artifact that goes beyond basic geometric checks.
This creates challenges such as:
- Limited ability to assess critical material and structural properties in a single build
- Variability in qualification procedures across organizations
- Longer adoption timelines for LPBF in regulated industries (aerospace, medical, defense) due to inconsistent testing
Without a comprehensive, standardized artifact, manufacturers face higher risks of qualification delays, inconsistencies, and rework.
The Solution
This research introduces a compact, multi-functional test artifact specifically designed for LPBF system qualification.
The artifact is engineered to evaluate a wide range of factors in one build, including:
- Microstructure and residual stress
- Chemical composition and surface integrity
- Geometric accuracy and internal features
- Mechanical properties
Preliminary testing on two different LPBF platforms demonstrates the artifact’s effectiveness for both system benchmarking and cross-industry standardization.
The paper also proposes a global data exchange program to accelerate adoption and improve comparability of results worldwide.
Key Benefits
Comprehensive Testing
– Qualify multiple performance metrics in a single, efficient build.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
– Works across different LPBF systems for easier benchmarking.
Supports Industry Standards
– Enables adoption of consistent qualification procedures.