As metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes become more frequent in manufacturing operations, a key component for acceptance is improved quality control methodologies. The current quality control paradigm does not include the ability to recognize quality throughout the build as it is barely scratching the surface of monitoring capability, let along control. EWI has begun performing research on in-process monitoring for AM, utilizing open architecture systems, an extensive library of sensors, and its welding engineering, controls and integration expertise.

Many off-the-shelf options for sensing exist to provide real-time or quasi real-time quality information during the metal AM process. These include photodetectors and spectrometers for plume interrogation, infrared and visible spectrum imagers for the melt pool and the build area, surface topography generators including laser profilometers and three-dimensional macroscopes, and traditional nondestructive testing techniques including eddy current.

Each sensing technique exhibits its unique competencies and deficiencies in terms of total quality detection. Integration capabilities into commercial additive equipment very, as well. Understanding how disparate sensing techniques complement each other and optimization sensing techniques will be critical for the development of better quality control methodologies.

A new EWI paper by Paul Boulware, In-Process Monitoring Techniques for Laser Powder Bed Fusion, discusses the need for investigation and the factors that must be considered during development. This paper provides an overview of EWI’s work in evaluating different monitoring techniques and their applicability for inclusion in commercial L-PBF systems. To read the complete article, click here.

EWI Applications Engineer Paul Boulware, can be contacted at [email protected]. 

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EWI will offer “Fundamentals of Welding” one last time in 2017. To register for the October 16-20 course, click here.

This five-day course, geared toward engineers and technicians, provides an overview of the various aspects of welding technology. The course is organized into modules discussing welding processes (arc, high-energy density, and non-arc), welding metallurgy and weldability, welding design and testing (including mechanical and nondestructive testing), and qualifications and procedure review.

Questions? Contact Beth Sharb at [email protected].

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EWI is pleased to welcome Sciaky, Inc. as a new member. The company, based in Chicago, IL, is provider of advanced welding systems and job shop welding services in the fabrication market. Sciaky is known worldwide for its selection of  electron beam welders, electron beam additive manufacturing solutions, and advanced arc welders.

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Manufacturers can gain a competitive edge by incorporating nondestructive evaluation (NDE) concepts and applications throughout the product development timeline. From research to deployment, advanced NDE capabilities help manufacturers improve efficiency, boost productivity, and speed time-to-market.

EWI’s infographic, Increase Manufacturing Throughput and Speed Time-to-Market with NDE Technology, illustrates the many benefits of incorporating NDE at all stages of product development including:

• Concept and Market Feasibility
• Design and Prototypes
• Manufacturing and Process

View the Infographic

If you would like to learn more about EWI’s NDE capabilities and how they can help your organization, contact Shaun Freed at [email protected]

The post How NDE Delivers Value Across the Product Timeline appeared first on EWI.

Last year at Pack Expo 2016, EWI unveiled the newest innovation in ultrasonic packaging. This year, we’ll be back at Pack Expo demonstrating how EWI GreenSeal™ can improve your package performance, lower material usage, and enjoy significant savings.

EWI’s narrower ultrasonic sealing technology produces a more effective seal that increases shelf life, eliminates the need for adhesives, reduces waste, and uses less energy than traditional thermal sealing processes. EWI GreenSeal can be retrofitted to existing bagmakers without requiring rebuilds, so it is easy to deploy this game-changing technology.

Visit us September 25-27 at Pack Expo booth S-7489 (south upper floor) to see EWI GreenSeal in action and to set up free trials on your packaging materials. To learn more about the technology or to set up a meeting with EWI in advance of the exhibition, contact Dale Robinson at [email protected].

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EWI is pleased to announce our fall events calendar. We hope you will be able to join us at one more of these upcoming events.

For information about a specific date, click on the event name below. To view EWI’s full schedule, visit https://ewi.org/events.

EWI Strategic Technology Committee for Oil & Gas: Fall Meeting
September 19
Houston, Texas

NextFlex Innovation Day 2017
EWI speaker Tim Frech; EWI exhibit booth
September 21
San Jose,  CA

Pack Expo International 2017
EWI exhibit booth S-7489
September 25-27
Las Vegas, Nevada

Advanced Sheet Metal Forming Technology Workshop
October 5
Columbus, OH

National Manufacturing Day with EWI at the PAST Foundation
October 6
Columbus, OH

Additive Metal Manufacturing Conference
EWI speakers: Frank Medina, Alex Kitt, Ron Aman
October 10-11
Buffalo, NY

Fundamentals of Welding Course
October 16-20
Columbus, OH

Future of Materials Joining and Forming Technologies: Priorities & Challenges
October 19
Detroit, MI

Aluminum USA 2017
October 25-26
Nashville, TN

Additive Manufacturing Consortium: Fall Meeting
November 1-2
Albuquerque, NM

The post EWI Workshops, Courses, and Events for Fall 2017 appeared first on EWI.

New or advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) modalities can improve the thoroughness and speed of joint inspection. When selecting the method of testing, however, it is important to consider the method used for joining.

EWI has recently seen several cases of failure of brazed joints that had been inspected with x-ray. In response to this recurring problem, EWI Project Engineer Ruth Sunderman has written Exploring NDT Alternatives for Braze. Her paper examines the problem with using x-ray for brazed joints, and explores a more effective method.

To download Exploring NDT Alternatives for Braze, click here.

To learn about EWI’s nondestructive evaluation capabilities and services, contact [email protected].

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Agilent Technologies of Wilmington, DE, has joined EWI as a new member. The company, whcih provides laboratories worldwide with instruments, services, consumables, applications and expertise, focuses in the food, environmental and forensics, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, chemical and energy markets.

The post EWI Welcomes Agilent Technologies to Membership appeared first on EWI.

On October 19, 2017, EWI Director of Technology Tom McGaughy will present “The Future of Materials Joining & Forming: Priorities and Challenges.” This free event will be held at the Southfield Marriott near Detroit. You can register here.

In 2014, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) selected EWI to develop the first-ever U.S. advanced joining and forming technology roadmap for manufacturing. Two years of research involving leaders in manufacturing, academia, and government combined with data gathered from 400 companies has produced the most comprehensive review of the US manufacturing economy to date. The roadmapping process, results, and recommendations were recently outlined in an “Developing a US Roadmap for Advanced Joining & Forming Technologies.”

This upcoming event will offer an in-depth discussion of the National Roadmap’s findings, as well as priorities and next steps for industry. There will be ample time for questions and dialogue regarding the roadmap and the future of American manufacturing.

This event is free to the public, but registration is required and space is limited. To participate in this important conversation about the future of manufacturing, please sign up today.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Beth Sharb at [email protected]. We look forward to your participation!

*Please note that the date has changed from September 13 to October 19, 2017.

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