Additive manufacturing (AM) is a much-heralded technology, but it, like all other technologies, comes with its risks and challenges. It is not a push-button process that delivers perfect parts on each try; many factors can contribute to flawed parts. Strict quality control measures prevent these parts from ending up in, for example, an aircraft, but methods also exist to detect errors during manufacturing, saving time and money.
In-situ monitoring (ISM) employs cameras and sensors (to name a few) to monitor additively manufactured parts as they are being built. As parts become more complex and are used in more critical applications, the need for ISM grows. The technology has plenty of room for growth and maturation, and thus in June 2022, ASTM International and NASA sponsored an ISM workshop. The intention of the workshop was to bring together representatives from government, industry, and academia to assess ISM technologies and their application in qualification and certification, and have discussions on what research and development is still needed.