Surface Analysis in Additive Manufacturing Using Image Processing

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a type of additive manufacturing process where prototypes are developed by depositing layers on previously deposited layer of material. Surface roughness is an important factor in determining quality of produced parts. This work proposes a methodology to calculate the surface roughness of part manufactured using FDM process. The surface roughness values to be measured using conventional stylus instrument and Digital image processing technique. Stylus comes in direct contact with surface so it destroys the surface topography. Image processing is a non-contact method hence it overcomes this problem. A camera and directional lightings will be used to capture images of surface of specimens. These images will be analyzed and processed using various image processing techniques available in MATLAB image processing toolbox. Experimental results will be validated by comparing the results obtained by using image processing technique with conventional stylus system. The system is also proposed to inspect surface irregularities.