Sigma Labs partners with Northwestern University to test PrintRite3D DED system for beta programme

October 25, 2020

Sigma Labs, Inc., Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, reports that it has formed a partnership with Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA, for the development and expansion of its PrintRite3D In-Process Quality Assurance technology for application in Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Additive Manufacturing.

As part of the partnership, Sigma Labs will validate the technology with Northwestern University, which  implemented its PrintRite3D Real-Time Meltpool Analytics technology earlier this year. The beta system will be installed onto the university’s customised open-architecture DED system, the Additive Rapid Prototyping Instrument (ARPI), located at Northwestern’s Advanced Manufacturing Processes Laboratory (AMPL). Sigma Labs is now seeking additional commercial DED machine OEM partners to expand the beta testing programme.

DED has been successfully applied in various industries, including aerospace, oil & gas, defence, marine and architecture. Aerospace manufacturers are said to be using the technology increasingly to produce structural parts for satellites and military aircraft. 

According to Autonomous Manufacturing, Lockheed Martin was able to use the technology to reduce production time on a critical component by 87% and cut lead-time from two years to three months.

“OEMs have seen an increase in demand of the Directed Energy Deposition machine ranging from high-level R&D projects to the production of prototype and production parts, many of which are for the aerospace industry,” commented Mark Ruport, Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Labs. “This initiative expands our market opportunity and is the first step in Sigma’s strategy to apply our technology across a broad array of Additive Manufacturing processes.”

www.sigmalabsinc.com

www.nimsi.northwestern.edu

Spring 2023 issue of Metal AM magazine

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Separation anxiety: Lessons learned at NASA from a developmental rocket engine failure
  • What is 'good' metal AM? Exploring the industry's value metrics for production
  • An inside perspective on China’s thriving metal Additive Manufacturing industry
  • Additive Manufacturing for jewellery and watchmaking: Exploring the potential of sinter-based technologies
  • Metal Additive Manufacturing for digital dentistry: An introduction for dental professionals
  • Case study: The development of a multi-material heat sink by Additive Manufacturing using Aerosint technology

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
Download PDF
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap