In-Process Thermography of Metal Additive Manufacturing Processes

This article provides readers with a brief review of the applications of thermography in additive manufacturing (AM), which still is largely a research and development (R&D) effort. There is a particular focus on metals-based laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF), although applications in directed-energy deposition (DED) and electron beam PBF (E-PBF) also are mentioned. The metrological basis of thermography is discussed in the article. Background information on radiation thermometry is provided, including how the various equations are applied. Finally, specific examples and lessons learned from various AM thermographic studies at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are provided.