In-Process Quality Monitoring and Control Provider Joins Other Industry Leaders at the MTC

Sigma Labs Inc., a world leader in quality assurance and inspection software for advanced manufacturing, has joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.

New Mexico-based Sigma specialises in the development of real-time computer aided inspection software for 3D printing and additive manufacturing processes. The 19 year-old business is headquartered in Santa Fe, with divisions around the world including Germany, China, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

As part of its MTC membership, Sigma Labs is to install its PrintRite 3D INSPECT in-process quality monitoring and control technology into the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing at the MTC. NCAM is home to the European Space Agency’s additive manufacturing benchmarking centre and is the only non-US founding partner in the ASTM AM Centre of Excellence for standardisation.

PrintRite 3D INSPECT  in-process quality monitoring and control technology uses sensor data which allows manufacturing engineers get real-time information to avoid rejected parts and improve processes.

John Rice, chief executive of Sigma Labs said, “As a member of the MTC Sigma Labs will extend its industry footprint into the research and commercialisation of additive manufacturing. With Europe at the forefront of many innovative and major developments in the metal additive manufacturing industry, we believe this agreement holds great promise for us and the future of AM. We look forward to interacting with other member companies at the MTC and particularly to collaborating with researches at NCAM to demonstrate the capabilities and potential of our technology.”

MTC technology director Ken Young said he was delighted to welcome Sigma Labs to the MTC community.

“Quality assurance in additive manufacturing is a critical topic that requires significant attention. Gaining insights into part quality during the additive manufacturing build process reduces effort for post-build inspection and ultimately provides the foundation for closed loop process control for improved robustness. Sigma Labs’ advanced capabilities on this topic will provide expertise for a number of the MTC’s projects and network with our membership base, focusing on qualification and certification of the additive manufacturing process,” he said.

The MTC was founded by the University of Birmingham, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and TWI Ltd. The MTC’s industrial members include some of the UK’s major global manufacturers.

The MTC aims to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of innovative manufacturing solutions, in line with the Government’s manufacturing strategy. The MTC is part the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.