In-process monitoring and qualification of SLM produced nickel based superalloys using eddy current inspection method and a novel EC array probe design

Additive manufacturing gives high flexibility to part designers on the manufacturability of optimized and complex parts. This advantage brings a part inspectability challenge. In this study, the Eddy Current Array sensor application is investigated as an in-process monitoring/inspection method and discussed as an L-PBF layer acceptance technique for the volumetric qualification of aerospace parts. Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process produced Inconel 625 test samples are used for data collection. Intentionally defects are created by using a waterjet-guided laser system to trial the L-PBF in-process eddy current inspection capability.