Q3D

Demand for flexible and low-cost fabrication of small lots of bespoke products is increasing, leading to the use of additive manufacturing (AM), also known as a 3D printing technology, by industries for faster prototyping and testing. However, the wide adoption of AM technology is hampered by the lack of quality assurance of the final processed parts. There is no guarantee of consistent quality and reliability for parts produced by 3D printing, with many manufacturers remaining doubtful of AM technology, evaluating the risks of uncertain quality to threaten any gains they might obtain.

The main objective of Q3D is to improve the final produced parts and provide a digital quality assurance tool, utilizing a multi-sensorial network to monitor on line the 3D printing process, and employing big data and machine learning techniques to analyze the huge volume of heterogeneous information. A decision support system will automatically propose practices to improve the 3D printing process. Q3D will also provide an advanced user interface that will enable her/him to fully understand the proposed actions to improve 3D printing processes and ultimately to ensure quality in the final product.

The Q3D consortium, consisting of two research institutes and a SME, through its excellent collaboration and organization, strong scientific background and high-impact scientific achievements and extensive experience in managing research projects, aims to:

Innovation by offering a complete and automated solution for the certification of the quality and reliability of the parts produced by 3D printers through the use of state-of-the-art technologies and the development of new effective methods for controlling 3D printing processes. In this way, time, cost and complexity of classical test methods for product quality assurance are reduced (consumables saving due to better utilization of materials, time and human resources).

Enhancement of the partners’ knowledge and experience about the parameters affecting 3D printing and how they can be modified to take targeted actions to improve the quality of the finished product.

Enhancement of the partners’ competitiveness in the field of quality assurance of 3D printing-produced parts and more generally, of automated 3D printing.

Contribution to the publication and dissemination of Q3D project and its results to all stakeholders through various communication channels.

Contribution to the commercial and economic exploitation of the results that will come of the Q3D project.

Consortium

Centre for Research and Technology Hellas
University of Ioannina
3D Life S.A.