Laser thermography as non-destructive technique to detect defects in AlSi10Mg parts printed with L-PBF process

In additive manufacturing (AM), particularly with AlSi10Mgaluminumalloy produced via Laser14Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), understanding and detecting defects is crucial for ensuring mechanical integrity.15This study evaluates the effectiveness of active thermography as a fast, non-destructive testing (NDT) method16for identifying typical L-PBF defects. Artificial defects (cubes, spheres, cylinderswith unfused powder) were17introduced by varying printing parameters. Their real geometry was assessed via micro-computed tomography18(μ-CT), revealing deviations from nominal shapes. Thermographic tests using a laser heat source (≈40W/cm²)19were conducted to examine the detectability of these defects inthishighly diffusive material AlSi10Mg. Results20highlight both the limitations and potential of thermography as a cost-and time-effective alternative toμ-CT21for quantitative inspection.