Contactless 3D surface characterization of additive manufactured metallic components using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Abstract

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy has experienced significant progress in imaging, spectroscopy, and quality inspection, e.g., for semiconductor packaging or the automotive industry. Additive manufacturing alloys (also known as alloys for use in 3D printing) have risen in popularity in aerospace and biomedical industries due to the ability to fabricate intricate designs and shapes with high precision using materials with customized mechanical properties. However, these 3D-printed elements need to be polished thereafter, where the surface roughness is inspected using techniques such as the laser scanning microscope. In this study, we demonstrate the use of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy to assess the average roughness profile and height leveling of stainless steel for comparisons against the same parameters acquired using laser scanning microscopy. Our results highlight the potential of the proposed technique to rapidly inspect 3D-printed alloys over large areas, thus providing an attractive modality for assessing surface profiles of AM-manufactured terahertz components in the future.