The Automated Quality Control of 3D Printing using Technical SMART Device

The submitted article focuses on the universal design and application concept of a technical SMART device for verifying the quality of additive 3D printing. The primary goal is to verify the surface quality of the product immediately after printing through error detection using a non-contact laser measurement method. The proposed quality control is based on measuring anomalies occurring in individual layers of the printed product. The proposed measurement methodology checks the relief in the transverse direction of printing, making it easy to distinguish height deviations as 3D printing errors. For the most linear movement of the product under the measuring head, an electric linear drive was chosen, consisting of a mechanical linear axis and an electric servo motor with a control unit and PROFINET communication. In conjunction with the measuring and control PLC device and an HMI control touchscreen panel, it will form a complete measuring assembly. The control application for managing the linear electric axis will take into account several technical parameters, such as the size of the test sample, measurement speed, and the distance from the detection device. The overall contribution will be automated control of 3D printing products, helping eliminate subjective manual quality control of 3D printing.