Recent Advances in In Situ 3D Surface Topographical Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing Processes

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized production across industries, yet persistent challenges in defect detection and process reliability necessitate advanced in situ monitoring solutions. While non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques such as X-ray computed tomography, thermography, and...

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Main Authors: Vignesh Suresh, Badrinath Balasubramaniam, Li-Hsin Yeh, Beiwen Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2504-4494/9/4/133
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author Vignesh Suresh
Badrinath Balasubramaniam
Li-Hsin Yeh
Beiwen Li
author_facet Vignesh Suresh
Badrinath Balasubramaniam
Li-Hsin Yeh
Beiwen Li
author_sort Vignesh Suresh
collection DOAJ
description Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized production across industries, yet persistent challenges in defect detection and process reliability necessitate advanced in situ monitoring solutions. While non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques such as X-ray computed tomography, thermography, and ultrasonic testing have been widely adopted, the critical role of 3D surface topographic monitoring remains underutilized for real-time anomaly detection. This work comprehensively reviews the 3D surface monitoring of AM processes, such as Laser powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, material extrusion, and material jetting, highlighting the current state and challenges. Furthermore, the article discusses the state-of-the-art advancements in closed-loop feedback control systems, sensor fusion, and machine learning algorithms to integrate 3D surface data with various process signatures to dynamically adjust laser parameters and scan strategies. Guidance has been provided on the best 3D monitoring technique for each of the AM processes. Motivated by manufacturing labor shortages, the high skill required to operate and troubleshoot some of these additive manufacturing techniques, and zero-defect manufacturing goals, this paper also explores the metamorphosis towards autonomous AM systems and adaptive process optimization and explores the role and importance of real-time 3D monitoring in that transition.
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spelling doaj-art-8429b485f4e548a39f0fda28b7db3a9a2025-08-20T02:28:36ZengMDPI AGJournal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing2504-44942025-04-019413310.3390/jmmp9040133Recent Advances in In Situ 3D Surface Topographical Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing ProcessesVignesh Suresh0Badrinath Balasubramaniam1Li-Hsin Yeh2Beiwen Li3Alcon Research Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX 76134, USASchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605, USADepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USASchool of Civil, Environmental and Agricultural Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605, USAAdditive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized production across industries, yet persistent challenges in defect detection and process reliability necessitate advanced in situ monitoring solutions. While non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques such as X-ray computed tomography, thermography, and ultrasonic testing have been widely adopted, the critical role of 3D surface topographic monitoring remains underutilized for real-time anomaly detection. This work comprehensively reviews the 3D surface monitoring of AM processes, such as Laser powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, material extrusion, and material jetting, highlighting the current state and challenges. Furthermore, the article discusses the state-of-the-art advancements in closed-loop feedback control systems, sensor fusion, and machine learning algorithms to integrate 3D surface data with various process signatures to dynamically adjust laser parameters and scan strategies. Guidance has been provided on the best 3D monitoring technique for each of the AM processes. Motivated by manufacturing labor shortages, the high skill required to operate and troubleshoot some of these additive manufacturing techniques, and zero-defect manufacturing goals, this paper also explores the metamorphosis towards autonomous AM systems and adaptive process optimization and explores the role and importance of real-time 3D monitoring in that transition.https://www.mdpi.com/2504-4494/9/4/133additive manufacturingthree-dimensional imagingin situ monitoringsurface topographyprocess monitoringdefect detection
spellingShingle Vignesh Suresh
Badrinath Balasubramaniam
Li-Hsin Yeh
Beiwen Li
Recent Advances in In Situ 3D Surface Topographical Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing Processes
Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing
additive manufacturing
three-dimensional imaging
in situ monitoring
surface topography
process monitoring
defect detection
title Recent Advances in In Situ 3D Surface Topographical Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing Processes
title_full Recent Advances in In Situ 3D Surface Topographical Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing Processes
title_fullStr Recent Advances in In Situ 3D Surface Topographical Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing Processes
title_full_unstemmed Recent Advances in In Situ 3D Surface Topographical Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing Processes
title_short Recent Advances in In Situ 3D Surface Topographical Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing Processes
title_sort recent advances in in situ 3d surface topographical monitoring for additive manufacturing processes
topic additive manufacturing
three-dimensional imaging
in situ monitoring
surface topography
process monitoring
defect detection
url https://www.mdpi.com/2504-4494/9/4/133
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AT badrinathbalasubramaniam recentadvancesininsitu3dsurfacetopographicalmonitoringforadditivemanufacturingprocesses
AT lihsinyeh recentadvancesininsitu3dsurfacetopographicalmonitoringforadditivemanufacturingprocesses
AT beiwenli recentadvancesininsitu3dsurfacetopographicalmonitoringforadditivemanufacturingprocesses