Hi jj, Concerning the Michigan Tech deal, to me it

Hi jj,
Concerning the Michigan Tech deal, to me it doesn't make sense. I saw a video of the low cost 3D printer Michigan Tech has developed and PrintRite would seem a complete opposite to fit in with it. To print right you need quality components and systems like vacuum, IR sensors, lasers, computer with software to operate data and control welder and material feed, does the Michigan Tech machine have that complexity? I would see PrintRite as a fit with the high quality print machines, not a bare bones machines which Mich Tech has? Thoughts?

Response:

Interesting question! I’ve never been interesting in the consumer level 3D printing but this question is interesting as it pertains to quality assurance.

The MOU with Michigan Tech involves open-source development of gas metal arc welding, which does not require a vacuum. You may be thinking of aerospace manufacturing where products needing to meet material standards are critical. An impressive aspect of PrintRite3D is that the scientific study that went to produce PrintRite3D at LANL was never conducted in a vacuum. This is the difference in PrintRite3D technology compared to every printer manufacturer. The studies were conducted in the penetration of metal to determine subsurface qualities with acoustic and thermal sensors. Here is Sigma Lab’s patented technique to measure weld quality in process. The study was not performed in a vacuum chamber:

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sec...PN/6857553

The welding environment is a variable that exert its effect at all times. PrintRite3D examines the weld and corrects the welding process at the same moment the environment exerts its influence. Thus, there is no need to examine the environment at all as the weld quality is constantly being affected by the environment. It’s all about the weld.

The other aspect of PrintRite3D is that the scientist initiated their study many years ago to find cost-effective ways to ensure welding in aerospace. They considered the reduction in skilled workforce, material costs, energy costs, labor costs, aircraft weight reduction, and “green” technology:

http://www.b6sigma.com/uploads/media/aerospac...qa_by6.pdf

This is why PrintRite3D was built using commercial off the shelf (COTS) sensors rather than $10,000 quarts sensors.

http://www.b6sigma.com/uploads/media/paper.LA...e-2003.pdf

What can be cheaper and more efficient than the open-source community? The operating system on our computers today was once an open-source software that was passed on and improved by individual contribution. How sophisticated in our computer operating system today? GE has the same concept with open-source community. GE recently awarded eight winners in their 3D design contest:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ge-announces-wi...00207.html

So, does PrintRite3D fit with an open-source consumer level metal 3D printer? Yes. The goal is weld quality, cost efficiency, “green” technology, and design sophistication. This is the objective of PrintRite3D and additive manufacturing.