Sensor-Based Online Process Fault Detection in Additive Manufacturing

The objective of this work is to identify failure modes and detect the onset of process anomalies in Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes, specifically focusing on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). We accomplish this objective using advanced Bayesian non-parametric analysis of in situ heterogeneous sensor data. The proposed method can ultimately lead to intelligent decision making and closed loop control in AM processes. Experiments are conducted on a desktop FFF machine (MakerBot Replicator 2X) instrumented with a heterogeneous sensor array including thermocouples, accelerometers, an infrared temperature sensor, and a real-time miniature video borescope. FFF process failures are detected online using the non-parametric Bayesian Dirichlet Process (DP) mixture model and evidence theory based on the experimentally acquired sensor data. This sensor data-driven defect detection approach facilitates real-time identification and correction of FFF process drifts with an accuracy and precision approaching 85% (average F-score). In comparison, the F-score from existing approaches, such as Probabilistic Neural Networks, Naïve Bayesian Clustering, Support Vector Machines, and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis was in the range of 55% to 75%.