Materialise and Sigma Labs Partner to Advance Metal Additive Manufacturing

Sigma Labs, Inc. and Materialise have developed a technology to enhance the scalability of metal AM applications. The new platform combines the Materialise Control Platform and Sigma Labs' PrintRite3D sensor technology to allow users to identify and correct metal build issues in real time. With added control over their processes, manufacturers can optimize metal AM processes for consistency and repeatability, key factors in scaling AM operations for serial production.

The new platform can be retrofitted to existing 3D printers to improve manufacturing processes or offered as an add-on to new machines for metal AM.

The Materialise Control Platform (MCP) is an embedded hardware solution that provides end-users more control over the AM process. By integrating the MCP with Sigma Labs' PrintRite3D sensor technology, the companies have created the ability to identify quality issues and intervene to correct them in real time. This improves the productivity in metal AM and reduces scrap rates.

“The platform we've developed eliminates one of the most common roadblocks for manufacturers interested in using metal additive manufacturing for serial production,” says Materialise CTO Bart van der Schueren. “The platform is open and flexible allowing manufacturers to take control of their specific processes to fit their unique applications. This makes it possible for customers to leverage their expertise and truly take advantage of the customization and localization benefits that AM provides.”

In addition to the platform, Materialise and Sigma Labs will collaborate with end-users and machine producers to refine processes for their applications. The companies are seeking partners across industries who are interested in expanding their use of metal AM in serial production.

“We believe the combination of the Materialise Control Platform with Sigma's real-time melt pool monitoring, and analytics software has created a significant breakthrough in the additive manufacturing industry,” Mark Ruport, president and CEO of Sigma Labs, says.

Learn more about the Materialise Control Platform.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

More Materialise Coverage