An optical microphone allows the process to be monitored during 3D printing

Zarion Company It has developed an optical microphone for non-contact ultrasonic detection. According to the company, this opens new possibilities for monitoring processes in manufacturing, such as 3D printing.

In contrast to traditional sensors, an optical microphone can detect frequencies from a few Hz to 2 MHz. The integrated sensor head can be easily integrated into production systems.

As XARION’s Ryan Sommerhuber explains, an ultrasonic microphone can be used to separately measure and analyze distinct acoustic signatures of manufacturing processes. This enables early detection of errors.

The monitoring solution is particularly suitable for processes such as laser welding or additive manufacturing. Using 3D printing, cracks in components can be detected in real time, says XARION expert Jan Berger. The company offers customers a measurement system package for process monitoring.

The optical microphone is also used in non-destructive materials testing. According to company founder Balthasar Fischer, contactless technology allows integration into automated testing systems or use on robots.

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