Fire risk in electric vehicle batteries can be reduced by detecting flaws through nondestructive visualization. Industrial computed tomography (CT scanning) combined with advanced software that makes sense of CT-generated images, allows users to measure voids and particle sizes within electrode active material during the research and development phase, detect delamination and contamination during cell manufacturing, analyze electrical connections and electrolyte fill levels, and provide many other quality-assurance functions that were once impractical or even impossible to perform.

As the engineering systems of the world adapt and change due to the effects of the pandemic on global health and worldwide economies, engineers and scientists provide paths of preservation to ensure safe and reliable operations.

In Germany, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is addressing challenges in the implementation of additive manufacturing on the industrial landscape for safety-critical applications. This article provides an overview of BAM’s activities in additive manufacturing with a focus on safety (both for applications and the environment) and AM technology innovation for a wide range of materials and manufacturing locations.

As industrial infrastructure continues to age, the risk of corrosion-related incidents becomes greater, increasing the need for detailed analysis of residual elements in steel framework and equipment. X-ray fluorescence is seeing greater use due to new smaller, lightweight equipment designs.