- Laser-based
metal-additive manufacturing is the leading technology in the metal
3D-printing space
- LPBF
being used in additive manufacturing at increasing rate, allowing users to
quickly create prototypes, more complex geometries
- Sigma
Labs leads industry in providing invaluable quality-control technology
throughout metal AM space
Laser-based metal-additive manufacturing is the leading
technology in the metal 3D-printing world, and as scientists learn more about
the correlation between laser power, temperature and other effects, Sigma Labs (NASDAQ: SGLB) is at the forefront,
providing real time quality-assurance software for the commercial
3D-metal-printing industry.
In recent report from Nature journal (http://ibn.fm/FGOgm), titled
‘Subsurface Cooling Rates and Microstructural Response during Laser Based Metal
Additive Manufacturing’, scientists explain that “laser powder bed fusion
(LPBF) is a method of additive manufacturing characterized by the rapid
scanning of a high powered laser over a thin bed of metallic powder to create a
single layer, which may then be built upon to form larger structures. Much of
the melting, resolidification, and subsequent cooling take place at much higher
rates and with much higher thermal gradients than in traditional metallurgical
processes, with much of this occurring below the surface.”
LPBF is being used in additive manufacturing, or 3D
printing, at an increasing rate – at least in part because of the ability it
provides for users to quickly create prototypes as well as create more complex
geometries. In addition, LPBF allows users to utilize a variety of metal
powders that are more efficient for creating objects.
However, because the process involves the rapid melting of
powder and then re-solidification, users who choose LPBF must consider several
thermal gradients, including cooling rates, which can affect the outcome of
structures. In their research, the authors of the Nature study
quantified cooling rates and then compared those rates to the quality of the
printed product.
The report is worth noting because scientists concluded that
their reported results “provide a direct measure of the subsurface thermal
history and demonstrate its importance to the ultimate quality of additively manufactured
materials.”
As further research is done on LPBF and all types of
additive manufacturing, Sigma Labs will continue to lead the way in providing
invaluable quality-control technology throughout the 3D-metal-printing
industry. The company is the leading provider of in-process, quality-assurance
software to the commercial 3D-metal-printing industry that allows operators of
machines making 3D metal parts to offset emerging quality problems, sustain
part quality, and avoid rejects.
Sigma’s proprietary PrintRite3D(TM) is the first additive
manufacturing solution that enables real-time quality control, allowing errors
to be detected and corrected in real time, thus saving both money and time. By
providing the unique quality-assurance solution that the 3D-metal-printing
sector needs, SGLB is set to leverage the latest additive manufacturing
research and processes to ensure the highest quality 3D-metal-printing results
across a wide variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, biomedical
and electronics.
Founded in 2010, Sigma is a software company that
specializes in the development and commercialization of real-time,
computer-aided-inspection (CAI) solutions known as PrintRite3D for 3D-advanced
manufacturing technologies. SGLB’s advanced, computer-aided software product
revolutionizes commercial additive manufacturing, enabling nondestructive
quality assurance mid-production, uniquely allowing errors to be corrected in
real time.
For more information about Sigma Labs, please visit www.SigmaLabsInc.com
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates
relating to SGLB are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SGLB
About MissionIR
MissionIR is
primarily focused on strategic communications. We have executed countless
communications programs to address the needs of companies ranging from
start-ups to established industry leaders, gaining valuable experience and the
expertise necessary to determine the most effective strategy for any given
situation.
For more information, visit www.MissionIR.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the Mission
Investor Relations website applicable to all content provided by MIR, wherever
published or re-published: http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
