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Title: Noncontact measurement of density and thermal properties of SS 316L powder bed through flash thermography
PurposePowder bed density is a key parameter in powder bed additive manufacturing (AM) processes but is not easily monitored. This research evaluates the possibility of non-invasively estimating the density of an AM powder bed via its thermal properties measured using flash thermography (FT). Design/methodology/approachThe thermal diffusivity and conductivity of the samples were found by fitting an analytical model to the measured surface temperature after flash of the powder on a polymer substrate, enabling the estimation of the powder bed density. FindingsFT estimated powder bed was within 8% of weight-based density measurements and the inferred thermal properties are consistent with literature findings. However, multiple flashes were necessary to ensure precise measurements due to noise in the experimental data and the similarity of thermal properties between the powder and substrate. Originality/valueThis paper emphasizes the capability of Flash Thermography (FT) for non-contact measurement of SS 316 L powder bed density, offering a pathway to in-situ monitoring for powder bed AM methods including binder jetting (BJ) and powder bed fusion. Despite the limitations of the current approach, the density knowledge and thermal properties measurements have the potential to enhance process development and thermal modeling powder bed AM processes, aiding in understanding the powder packing and thermal behavior.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1946724
PAR ID:
10613638
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Publisher / Repository:
Emerald
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Volume:
30
Issue:
8
ISSN:
1355-2546
Page Range / eLocation ID:
1663 to 1674
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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