Benchmarking a multi-layer approach and neural network architectures for defect detection in PBF-LB/M

The substitution of expensive non-destructive material testing by data-based process monitoring is intensively explored in quality assurance for additive manufactured components. Machine learning show promising results for defect detection but require conceptual adaption to layer wise manufacturing and line scanning patterns in laser powder bed fusion. A multi-layer approach to co-register µ-computer tomography measurements with process monitoring data is developed and a workflow for automatic data set generation is implemented. The objective of this research is to benchmark the volumetric multi-layer approach and specifically selected deep learning methods for defect detection. The volumetric approach shows superior results compared to single slice monitoring. All investigated structured neural network topologies deliver similar performance.