This was taken directly from Concept Laser's website :
" Quality as a significant parameter
For aircraft manufacturers, monitoring during the component's build process is one of the most important aspects of the industrial application. Peter Sander: "In practice, "inline process monitoring" with the QMmeltpool QM module from Concept Laser means the system uses a camera and photo diode to monitor the process within a very small area of 1x1 mm². The process is then documented." In 2016 this module will be extended by QMmeltpool 3D. The former, time-related 2D monitoring of the build process becomes a position-related 3D landscape. Instead of exclusively time-related data, the system now additionally delivers position-related signals for definitive allocation, comparable to a computer tomography (CT). These signals make it possible to generate 3D datasets of the part and its structure. A highly accurate 3D landscape of the component is thus created. This allows QMmeltpool 3D to provide local indication of defects in the component. As a result, subsequent inspections and tests can be reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, the data are available directly after the build process, which also saves time. Other QM modules for active quality assurance are QMcoating, QMatmosphere, QMpowder and QMlaser. They measure or monitor, for example, the laser output and also the optimum layer structure of the metal powder and document the entire manufacturing process seamlessly. An additional feature in terms of quality assurance is the capability to work in a closed system to ensure the process remains free of dust and contamination. All disruptive influences that could have a negative influence on the process are intended to be eliminated this way. Frank Herzog: "These days it's accurate to call this a regulated manufacturing process that provides repetition accuracy and process reliability." Prof. Dr.-Ing. Emmelmann emphasizes by saying: "The QA software now enables us to monitor and document key data, such as laser parameters, melt pool parameters, as well as the composition of the inert gas atmosphere. Disruptions due to contamination can be eliminated."
Concept Laser can call itself a pioneer in this field too, since the company has been working on different quality improvement/monitoring modules since 2004. "
Looks like they have a leg up on Sigma..I'm no expert..I'm just looking for "dots" and this really makes me wonder just how valuable Printrite3D really is.
I mean German engineering is...well you people know..these guys are no joke..Germans take no prisoners.
The only reason we're not speaking German today is because those crafty Polish dudes reverse engineered that damn Enigma machine and with Allied help and German mistakes broke the code.
Looking for you folks to chime in and shed some light on this..I own shares and I hope that SGLB does as promised..I don't doubt Sigmas efforts are needed and valuable to the industry..but is it THE one and only? No doubt Cola and the gang are on to something..but is it too little too late or do they have what the others dont ?
Mr. P
