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Digital Engineering April 2026
In the latest issue of Digital Engineering, we take a look at the latest innovations in design for additive manufacturing, including the use of natural language inputs, social media cosplayers, and AI integration. The issue also includes a feature…
January Special Focus Issue: Design for Additive
In this Special Focus Issue of Digital Engineering, learn about the latest advancements in design for additive manufacturing, including new software tools, additive in automotive, custom medical devices, and more.
Phase3D, a company focused on 3D measurement technologies, has developed and deployed Fringe Inspection: Cold Spray, an inspection system that enhances quality control in cold spray additive manufacturing, according to Phase3D. Backed by $1.25 million in funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), this technology is designed to help advance real-time, in-situ inspection for military and aerospace applications.
Phase3D’s Fringe Inspection: Cold Spray product uses structured light technology to provide real-time deposit inspection. The solution delivers:
Real-Time Defect Detection—Identifies and quantifies surface defects such as cratering, cracking, and pitting during the cold spray process.
Surface Flatness Measurement—Assesses spray deposit surfaces to verify repair quality and adherence to required specifications.
Process Optimization—Enables technicians to inspect and adjust the cold spray process.
Fringe Inspection: Cold Spray was tested and validated in an operational setting at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and Ellsworth Air Force Base.
“The successful completion of this project underscores the importance of real-time inspection in additive manufacturing,” says Niall O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Phase3D. “The deployment at Ellsworth AFB proves that structured light inspection is a game-changer for cold spray applications."
Phase3D plans to expand the applications of structured light inspection across additive manufacturing and industrial repair sectors. The company is actively collaborating with the Department of Defense and private industry partners to further enhance cold spray repair capabilities and drive innovation in real-time quality assurance.
Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.
Phase3D is a leader in in-situ quality assurance for additive manufacturing. Its Fringe Inspection™ product delivers real-time, layer-by-layer measurement data that enables manufacturers to reduce scrap, improve reliability, and scale production…
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