Sigma Labs Inc (SASI)

[GetRich1day]

Lloyd's Register finally got back to me on why they did not include in-process or in-line inspection in their AM Guidance for Metallic Parts. Here's the reply "

Although we considered the inclusion of in-line inspection methods in our first version of the Guidance Notes, we decided that given our view of the printer/machine as a key variable in the manufacturing process, in-line inspection would not reduce our post-build inspection requirements at this time.

We are pursuing investigation and validation of in-line inspection methods (i.e. testing that in-line processes are as reliable as post-completion processes) and measurement of how these may positively impact the confidence in a AM part in the future. The timeframe for this investigation and validation should be over the next 12-18 months, and will rely on cooperation from software and hardware vendors

I provided Sigma Labs contact info to their team.

I informed SGLB about an opportunity with the Department of Defense that I hope they responded too.

OBJECTIVE: Research, develop and establish in-process and final non-destructive inspection (NDI) monitoring requirements and methods able to identify material defects of additive-manufactured (AM) simulated critical weapon systems parts.

DESCRIPTION: Additive manufacturing entails building three dimensional objects by adding material in successive layers. This innovative technology enables engineers to create non-traditional shapes and sizes, speeds up production processes, and reduces costs and product lead times from order to delivery.

Today, additive manufacturing is thought to still be a rapid prototype capability but the technology has been progressing at a rapid rate. One of the most notable needs is the industry agreement for the development of proper NDI methods and implementation of non-destructive testing (NDT) for product acceptance, as well as its use for repeatable production capability. Basic physical properties must be understood and measured. This will provide the NDT engineer with the knowledge to select the methods parameters with confidence and known expectations. These parameters should be identified to support the proper technique development for the determination of flaws. The lack of detection of defects can have a detrimental effect of the part’s service life.

Companies are developing the AM process using proprietary or restricted parts. Due to this, the sharing of NDI samples is most limited. Designing a sample or samples which provide the needed characterization elements is necessary.

As additive manufacturing production processes gain industry popularity the need to perform non-destructive inspection of additive manufactured parts is essential. For an Air Force systems program office or Air Force Sustainment Center complex to transition and implement additive manufactured airworthiness or critical parts in their weapon systems of responsibility, a reliable nondestructive testing inspection in-process and final inspection must be in place:
- Include the development of a physics-based model that correlates the data collected with changes in the NDI response to a defect in the AM test parts.
- Validate models through additional test coupons, followed by destructive testing and metallography.
- Perform limited probability of detection (POD) study.

Traditional NDI methods can be used on the finished parts, but more often than not, it is not possible to get 100-percent coverage in these inspections due to the complexity of geometry of finished AM produced parts. Final inspection of an AM part with one or more nondestructive, non-contact inspections that can be done concurrent with the AM build process is needed. In-process inspection of a part as it is being manufactured will reduce the amount of material that needs to be inspected and could even enable immediate correction of manufacturing defects while it is manufactured.

PHASE I: Research and develop proof of concept for proposed manufacturing in-process NDI to detect and quantify possible AM process-induced defects that demonstrate meeting the above requirements. The Phase I final report should provide an approach in a Phase II effort to demonstrate with selected parts or coupon designed to validate results.

PHASE II: Construct a prototype NDI system and collect inspection data during the AM process based on the concept from Phase I. Demonstrate affectivity of the inspection system and ability to collect the appropriate data during the AM build to model material properties and defect locations in the part.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Enhance system hardware and software to maximize systems’ utility for military complex depot implementation. Identify limitations of the inspection systems and probabilities of detection for critical defects. Prepare technology for further military and commercial transition

I continue to see references in my DD to folks still evaluating in-process and in-line inspection techniques. It gives me comfort that SGLB is very much Leading in this field. I'm certainly believing Mark Cola when he said at one of those conference calls about getting SGLB to become the defacto standard by being first to market. We are being evaluated by Additive Industries and their first system went to Airbus. We are being evaluated by Spartacus3D and Aequs has a 23 percent stake in them. Aequs is a Safran supplier and Airbus is having their LEAP-A engine built by Safran. I believe that it is no concidence that SGLB is being evaluated by on the Safran side. The same with getting onboard with Materialise and 3D-SIM. This feels very much like part of a grand plan to integrate with CFM International as their in-process solution.

Unidentified Analyst

I was just simply enquiring whether you sincerely felt that eventual – actual production run PrintRite3D contracts would be forthcoming from GE and Honeywell.

Mark Cola

Yes. We fully anticipate and expect that, and we are planning for those and we are well positioned at the moment.

This leads me to my most important CC question for this quarter.
Do you still anticipate Printrite3D production run contracts with GE and Honeywell as you indicated in your 2nd quarter 2015 CC and if so What is the anticipated timeline to receive these production run contracts?

Good Luck Longs!!