Sigma Labs & 3DSIM Forge Complementary Partnership in QA & Testing Solutions for Metal 3D Printing Clientele

3D printing is one technology that is on an undeniably accelerated course. As we find ourselves wowed by an endlessly mind-blowing parade of innovations that seem to outdo themselves one after the other, and day by day, from the creative sectors like fashion and art, to very serious breakthroughs in science and manufacturing, we are witnessing a constant evolution. One part of that is a significant trend toward 3D printing with metal, and working to refine both processes and quality therein.

A recent and very complementary partnership that has just been inked between Sigma Labs, Inc. and 3DSIM is a perfect example of that. Sigma Labs is looking to 3DSIM to assist as they put even further exercises in place for development, exercises in testing, and certification.

Sigma Labs is known for their QA solutions, based on their In-Process Quality Assurance software developed specifically for AM clients as they seek superior rapid qualification and excellence in parts and components. They are responsible for developing and engineering quality inspection systems for commercial firms around the world involved in metal 3D printing, as well as a range of other technologies related to advanced manufacturing.

“Sigma Labs is pleased to announce this agreement with such an innovative organization as 3DSIM,” said Mark Cola, President and CEO of Sigma Labs. “We believe our solutions are complementary and ultimately serve to enable the ability to fully certify AM-manufactured parts and thus reliably print them on demand. We will provide an overview of this collaboration at the AMC Winter Meeting of the EWI, to be held February 10-11 at 3DSIM’s offices in Park City.  We continue to expand our presence and are setting the stage for higher growth going forward, as our customers gain confidence in our In-Process Quality Assurance (IPQA) approach to guaranteeing quality on any AM part produced.”

Founded by three inventors who all hold PhD.s, Dr. Deepankar Pal, Dr. Nachiket Patil, and Prof. Brent Stucker, 3DSIM is an industry name quickly becoming synonymous with leading industry research within additive manufacturing, along with product and services that allow for something that companies are becoming increasingly in need of: simulation of AM processes. 3DSIM has a team of experts with many years of experience in 3D printing technology, and because of that they have the insight required to develop software solutions for metal 3D printing.

The 3DSIM team is responsible for solutions that will both ‘disrupt and revolutinize’ additive manufacturing. Their processes, according to their website, are responsible for “predicting solidified microstructure and resultant properties by modeling the underlying physical behaviors that are closely linked to process parameters such as beam diameter, beam intensity, scan strategy, part orientation, and more.”

“We look forward to working with industry leader Sigma Labs to develop the best software tools for metal powder bed fusion AM,” said Dr. Brent Stucker, chief executive officer and a co-founder of 3DSIM. “Bringing 3DSIM’s modeling capabilities together with Sigma Labs’ IPQA technology will help overcome the single biggest hurdle to wide-scale adoption of AM manufacturing – qualification of AM-produced parts.”

As the additive manufacturing industry continues with the exploration and use of metal, continuing to pump out parts and components that are of higher quality, stronger, and even more durable, many companies are beginning to work on more rigorous quality assurance procedures. This is of the utmost importance as manufacturing of parts in sectors like aerospace and automotive becomes much more reliant on 3D printing, and while quality is key, safety is paramount.

Sigma Labs was founded by high-level scientists Mark J. Cola and Vivek Dave, who together offer decades of industry experience, benefiting their clients who specialize in areas such as defense, aerospace, and advanced materials. Do you think there is a need for better QA practices in this industry? Discuss in the Sigma Labs & 3DSIM QA in 3D Printing forum over at 3DPB.com.