Additive manufacturing (3D-printing) is developing towards a disruptive general-purpose technology such as the dynamo and computers. However, uncertainty in passing stringent quality standards owing to the formation of defects hinders its widespread adoption. AIM-Zero project—an ideal synergy between Aalto University and EOS Finland Oy—develops a novel procedure to create a general-purpose quality control system as opposed to the current state of the art requiring part-specific offline testing. It deploys artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and compensate defective regions layer by layer using in-situ process monitoring sensors. The project can eliminate defects and significantly decrease costs, lead-time, and waste. It can shift the performance frontier of AM parts and the AM industry.

2023