University of Pittsburgh

Adaptive Two-Wavelength Single Camera Imaging Thermography for Smart in-situ Process Temperature

The invention introduces a groundbreaking method for real-time, adaptive temperature measurement in metal additive manufacturing (AM).


Description

By utilizing a single camera and tunable filters, ATSIT offers high accuracy, precision, and cost-efficiency compared to traditional multi-camera setups. This technology promises to enhance the quality and reliability of metal AM processes, leading to the development of superior metallic materials and structures.

Applications

• Medical Device
• Industrial Biotech
• Aerospace
• Automotive

Advantages

ATSIT offers several advantages over existing temperature measurement solutions in metal AM. Unlike conventional methods that rely on multiple cameras and fixed filters, ATSIT uses a single high-speed camera with tunable filters, significantly reducing equipment costs and complexity. This system can dynamically adjust to different materials, ensuring accurate temperature measurements across various AM processes. The high-speed, high-resolution capabilities of ATSIT enable it to capture the rapid thermal dynamics of the melt pool, providing valuable insights into phase transformations and microstructure formation. Furthermore, the modular design of ATSIT allows for easy integration with different AM systems, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications.

Invention Readiness

This technology is currently at a promising stage of development. The basic principles and system design have been established, and initial testing has demonstrated its potential for accurate, real-time temperature measurement. The next steps involve further validation and optimization of the system through extensive testing with different materials and AM processes. Collaboration with industry partners will be essential to refine the technology and ensure its compatibility with various AM platforms. Once these steps are completed, TSIT will be ready for commercialization, offering a robust solution to enhance the quality and efficiency of metal additive manufacturing.

IP Status

https://patents.google.com/patent/US11874176B2

Related Publication(s)

Vallabh, C. K. P., & Zhao, X. (2022). Melt pool temperature measurement and monitoring during laser powder bed fusion based additive manufacturing via single-camera two-wavelength imaging pyrometry (STWIP). Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 79, 486–500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2022.04.058