Additive manufacturing is gaining traction worldwide, with substantial growth anticipated in the coming years. However, for 3D printing and the additive manufacturing industry to move forward and gain widespread adoption, it must first overcome certain challenges.
Validating components and ensuring their longevity can pose a stumbling block, particularly with large-scale, complex 3D printed parts. ITS provides quality control measures, with tensile and fatigue testing, and prototype testing with non-destructive testing (NDT) for additive manufacturing.
Innovative Test Solutions
ITS is a full-service mechanical engineering and testing laboratory located in Schenectady, New York. Our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited facility constructs customized programs and prototype tests to determine the quality of our clients’ additive manufacturing components.
In addition to determining the reliability of the component, our testing services can determine:
- Chemical Composition
- Apparent Density Measurement
- Microscopic Product Features
- Flaws or Potential Issues
- Corrosion Susceptibility
We provide comprehensive comparison testing and research services for additive manufacturing and 3D-printed materials, including standard test protocols as well as customized solutions developed in-house. Our experts design one-of-a-kind test rigs and combine them with advanced analytical testing to ensure every component will successfully fulfill its purpose.
Our Specialties
The additive manufacturing industry remains in its infancy, and validation of 3D-printed components is also a relatively new process. ITS provides additive manufacturing testing for 3D printing quality control using methods that include tensile testing to apply force to materials at a constant pull rate. This strategy allows us to measure the materials’ strength and degree of elongation while noting the failure point.
Fatigue testing provides critical data to pinpoint critical locations and demonstrate structural safety. This allows us to characterize the properties and behavior of a component.
Assessing viability with prototype testing is another way ITS provides quality control and product qualification in the emerging additive manufacturing industry. NDT services facilitate data-driven decisions and provide certainty of the printed components’ quality and performance.
ITS offer industry-leading additive manufacturing testing for various industries, including:
Aerospace
Additive manufacturing is transforming the aerospace industry. However, stringent safety approvals and certifications demand equally stringent testing procedures. ITS provides comprehensive additive manufacturing solutions that help deliver superior quality that you can rely on with confidence. Our custom aerospace testing solutions recreate real-world use to ensure every product is reliable and safe.
Oil and Gas
3D printing could save the oil and gas industry billions of dollars by embracing additive manufacturing. Benefits like design flexibility, fast product development, and quick repairs of complex components make it particularly attractive. Skilled engineers in our accredited laboratory ensure components and materials meet stringent guidelines and adhere to ASTM testing standards.
Energy and Electrical Power
Additive manufacturing provides the energy and electrical power industry with new ways of improving efficiency and operational reliability. 3D printing helps the industry meet the challenges head-on while reducing downtime for maintenance and extending components’ lifespans. ITS provides rigorous ASTM testing standards to ensure 3D printed parts offer longevity and reliable performance.
Construction
Companies within the construction industry could mitigate many significant challenges, including budget constraints, supply chain issues, and material waste, by capitalizing on 3D printing. This emerging technology has the potential to truly transform the industry; however, ensuring the reliability and quality of components can pose a stumbling block. ITS delivers reliable materials testing and evaluation to help ensure quality and performance.
Medical
Additive manufacturing could open the door to greater personalization and customization, providing medical solutions that are tailored to each individual’s unique needs. The 3D printing process could revolutionize the creation of intricate, complex medical products while saving expenses, time, and labor. The need to reduce errors during prototyping, ensure structural strength, and achieve repeatability while using multi-media printing continues to create obstacles in the field. However, ITS’ customized solutions and high-quality testing can help the medical industry overcome these hurdles.
Transportation
The benefits of additive manufacturing in the transportation industry are vast. 3D printing offers the ability to speed up product development, reduce costs, and provide greater design freedom, even while creating complex parts. However, the precision, reliability, and quality needed from each component remain stringent, necessitating high-quality, rigorous testing, measuring, and evaluation. ITS’ engineers help ensure that each component meets the utmost standards for safety and dependability.
Manufacturing
ITS has long been among the most highly respected industry leaders in providing various services, including machining specimens and providing custom testing services. Our engineers use their knowledge and vast resources to apply that same world-class expertise to additive manufacturing testing.
UNDT Additive Manufacturing Testing Innovation
For additive manufacturing to become widespread, it’s essential to develop non-destructive additive manufacturing testing methods. Doing so can more accurately evaluate defects and predict components’ performance. ITS sees real promise in using holography and high vibration energy for ultrasonic non-destructive testing (UNDT), which could hold the key to accurately evaluating defects with lower cost and improved accuracy.
Contact ITS Today to Learn More About Our Additive Manufacturing Testing Solutions
Innovative Test Solutions works closely with industry leaders to discover more about material characteristics. We provide a range of additive manufacturing testing solutions, including mechanical and materials testing using established methods and custom testing services.
Work with us to advance the additive manufacturing processes. Call or Request a Quote.
For More Information About Our Testing Services, Contact Us Today.
Through constant improvement, innovation, and thorough testing, ITS is able to create an environment that ensures personal and professional success. To secure your future, contact us for more information.