A collection of organizations from Germany and Canada have set up a new consortium to automate the process of repairing parts using 3D printing and artificial intelligence.
The project, named Artificial Intelligence Enhancement of Process Sensing for Adaptive Laser Additive Manufacturing (AI-SLAM), aims to develop advanced AI-based software to automatically run Directed Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printers. Used in conjunction with Fraunhofer’s LMD technology (a form of DED), the software will algorithmically manage the printing process to more effectively repair irregular surfaces on damaged components – all without the need for human input.
On the German side, the consortium includes the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) and software developer BCT. In Canada, the work will be overseen by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), McGill University will coordinate the research, and machine learning firm Braintoy will help program the AI models. Alberta-based manufacturing service bureau Apollo Machine and Welding will also be providing additional 3D printing services to aid the research.