The next generation of additive manufacturing systems will incorporate feedback mechanisms for tightly controlling the process parameters during the build.The AIM(TM) in situ synchronization and metrology system developed by Grale Technologies is an ideal platform for exploring possible feedback paradigms, including sensor types and configurations, real-time software and firmware pipelines, advanced algorithms, and operational performance for various materials, including multi-material builds.We propose adding an AIM(TM) system with metrology and vision sensors to a 3DSystems ProX 320 machine and developing techniques to supply immediate feedback in order to maintain tight tolerances during the build process, detect possible defects, and provide correction information for recovering from such defects.Due to the inherent synergies between these two commercially available technologies, assembling a combination AIM + ProX320 test bed has low technical risk, low incremental cost, and provides a flexible platform that supports multiple options for in situ metrology and process monitoring/feedback for AM builds.
