Sigma Labs Inc (SASI)

[Envirosciguy]

From JJ's Blog

PrintRite3D is a cross-platform surveillance and control system that can be programmed for specific materials. The fact that this 2nd award for the goal of developing a commercially available, platform-independent QA TECHNOLOGY in multiple AM machines and alloys is big news. No one has been able to offer any solution, not Mazumder, Optomec, Stratonics, Sciaky, nor any other printer maker. Quality assurance and material properties are areas Sigma Labs holds expertise and this win is another step closer to commercialization. The fact that Burke E Porter (BEP) is involved in this grant win is significant and remains true to the agreement BEP and Sigma Labs enacted in 08/14/13 for international distribution.

The detection of scattered electrons does not ensure the complete and uniform melting of the metal powder. There are no thermal sensors used in the Sciaky’s closed-loop system for feedback to the welding machine for correction. In fact, Sciaky’s system is similar to that of Jyoti Mazumder’s invention in the use of optics and proven to be far inferior. This is why GE Aviation does not have Sciaky machines but EOS, Concept Laser, and Arcam 3D printers in their facilities. This is not to say that the 3D printing machines at GE Aviation have a closed-loop feedback system. What GE Aviation engineers are investigating is the complete and uniform melting of metal powder substrates. The engineers outline the importance of temperature control for prevention of subsurface porosity (unmelted metal powder entrapment in the additive process).