A layer-wise surface deformation defect detection by convolutional neural networks in laser powder-bed fusion images

Muhammad Ayub Ansari*, Andrew Crampton, Simon Parkinson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
1 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Surface deformation is a multi-factor, laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) defect that cannot be avoided entirely using current monitoring systems. Distortion and warping, if left unchecked, can compromise the mechanical and physical properties resulting in a build with an undesired geometry. Increasing dwell time, pre-heating the substrate, and selecting appropriate values for the printing parameters are common ways to combat surface deformation. However, the absence of real-time detection and correction of surface deformation is a crucial LPBF problem. In this work, we propose a novel approach to identifying surface deformation problems from powder-bed images in real time by employing a convolutional neural network-based solution. Identifying surface deformation from powder-bed images is a significant step toward real-time monitoring of LPBF. Thirteen bars, with overhangs, were printed to simulate surface deformation defects naturally. The carefully chosen geometric design overcomes problems relating to unlabelled data by providing both normal and defective examples for the model to train. To improve the quality and robustness of the model, we employed several deep learning techniques such as data augmentation and various model evaluation criteria. Our model is 99% accurate in identifying the surface distortion from powder-bed images.
Original languageEnglish
Article number7166
Pages (from-to)7166
Number of pages1
JournalMaterials
Volume15
Issue number20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Oct 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • surface deformation
  • LPBF
  • metal additive manufacturing
  • convolutional neural network
  • machine learning
  • deep learning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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