InfiniAM Spectral Additive Manufacturing Process Monitoring Software

Renishaw introduces InfiniAM Spectral, a new additive manufacturing (AM) process monitoring software. Developed for use on Renishaw systems, the software package helps AM users gain a greater understanding of their processes and overcome the difficulties with AM in critical applications, process stability and part quality. InfiniAM Spectral is part of a developing family of products that help users capture, evaluate, present and store process data from Renishaw laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) technologies.

The new software offers two measurement functions in the sensor modules. The first module, LaserVIEW, uses a photosensitive diode to measure the intensity of the laser energy. The second module, MeltVIEW, captures emissions from the melt pool in the near-infrared and infrared spectral ranges.

MeltVIEW and LaserVIEW stream data across a conventional computer network on a layer-by-layer basis, so manufacturers can analyze process monitoring data in real-time. As the build progresses, the data is rendered live in 3D for viewing in InfiniAM Spectral. The engineer can compare the data from each sensor to identify any deviations, which may indicate the presence of anomalies that could lead to defects.

 “The amount of process data generated during an AM build is immense, which means it can be difficult to make practical use of it without the correct interpretation tools,” explained Robin Weston, marketing manager at Renishaw’s Additive Manufacturing Products Division. “InfiniAM Spectral will be hugely beneficial to manufacturers because it allows them to easily translate the data. That will lead to more consistent AM outcomes.”