Siemens Energy and DNV team up to enhance 3D-printing quality control

Siemens Energy and DNV have announced a collaboration aimed at maturing additive manufacturing (AM) also known as 3D-printing processes.

The partners will combine Siemens Energy's first generation of the AM Cockpit platform providing automated quality control of the 3D metal printing process with DNV's Independent Quality Monitor (IQM) platform – a customer portal that continuously quality-assures digital solutions.

By combining these two solutions, DNV can launch a commercial solution for the AM manufacturing industry – ensuring that 3D-printed parts can easily be compared to a so-called approved master print.

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The combination also makes automated and remote process certification possible, according to the partners.

"Succeeding in AM industrialization relies on a successful digital transition. The combination of the AM Cockpit and the IQM is a significant step forward for additive manufacturing," says Klas Bendrik, chief digital and development officer at DNV.

The AM Cockpit collects sensor data streams and powder bed images from the manufacturing process in powder bed fusion 3D-printers. The platform then generates a digital summary of each printed part, highlighting problematic areas of the print.

In parallel, the IQM has been developed as part of the EU-project InterQ, aiming at zero-defect manufacturing. The solution monitors data quality continuously through newly developed algorithms and compliance logic.

DNV senior engineer and AM specialist Stian Gurrik sees several benefits of the collaboration. "The benefits of 3D-printing, when used properly, can include reduced material waste, quicker production, cost savings and the ability to produce complex and customized parts," Gurrik said in a statement.

Siemens Energy has already been designing and 3D-printing key gas turbine components to increase plant efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

"Thanks to its design freedom, AM is the core technology that allows Siemens Energy to develop and modify gas turbines to run on green fuels, such as hydrogen", says Hans Holmström, CEO of Siemens Energy in Sweden.