Additive manufacturing

3D printing and other additive processes are being used in more and more series productions. Additive processes have long been an integral part of prototype construction.

Typical materials used in additive processes include in particular synthetics. Very small components are usually manufactured in small quantities but with high complexity. This increased complexity poses new challenges to the measurement technology used. Hard-to-reach areas of components push conventional measurement technology to its limits. Internal structures that provide increased stiffness or have other functions go beyond the limits of tactile and optical quality control.

WENZEL therefore relies primarily on industrial computed tomography. With this, even internal features can be checked at a glance and weaknesses (cavity analysis) in the material quality can also be identified. At the same time, CT serves as a test device to check the accuracy of the 3D printers used. Corrections can then be set for the machines from the data obtained.