Student Looks to Machine Vision To Optimize 3-D Printing

Carnegie Mellon University doctoral candidate Luke Scime is working at the intersection of mechanical engineering and computer science to optimize the process of metal 3-D printing. 3-D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, uses a layer-by-layer manufacturing process to print objects out of metal, plastic and other materials. The technology has the potential to make stronger, lighter and more customized products than traditional manufacturing. Researchers, like Scime, are working to better understand and perfect the process. Scime, who is in the Department of Mechanical Engineering , studies metal laser powder bed fusion, a process in which a machine spreads a layer of metal powder that is a fraction of a millimeter thick. Next, a laser beam melts the metal powder into a cross-section of the object being built. The machine repeats this process until the object is complete.