ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

A MANUFACTURING REVOLUTION IS UNDERWAY. AND WE’VE BEEN READY FOR DECADES.

From prosthetic limbs to rocket engine components, 3D printing is revolutionizing the way products are made. Also known as additive manufacturing, the benefits range from speed and quality to customizability and cost-control — and the applications are almost endless.

Using sophisticated digital models and a layer-by-layer process, additive manufacturing allows users to accurately produce objects with complex geometries and different material properties. This freedom of design offers obvious benefits. However, more complex designs may create additional opportunities for flaws to form — flaws that become increasingly difficult to identify. With a full menu of testing services, including scan-to-CAD comparisons, Industrial Inspection & Analysis (IIA) is equipped to examine even the most intricate designs with confidence.

For years, IIA has been part of the evolution of the additive manufacturing industry. Our proven testing techniques translate seamlessly from conventional manufacturing to 3D printing to ensure the quality and safety of your products With accurate data and quick turnaround times, IIA can be a big part of the “Big Data” you need to operate safely and efficiently in the Industry 4.0 era.

Trust an Inspection Leader


Making the World Safer is our mission at IIA. From the medical field to the military, many of our clients operate in risk-averse industries where even the smallest error can spell disaster. That’s why they partner with IIA.

IIA has decades of experience in the industrial testing and certification arena, and we are among the largest and most trusted providers of laboratory services in North America. Clients in an array of industries turn to IIA for solutions to all of their testing challenges.

Our Laboratory Services team can quickly and accurately validate the quality and safety of your additive manufacturing products and processes.

Additive Manufacturing Inspection Services


Our highly skilled technicians perform inspections for both newly and previously manufactured parts to locate defects, such as cracks, corrosion, inclusions, tears, or pockets. Whether you’re manufacturing with standard metals, exotic alloys, biomaterials or plastics, you can expect fast and accurate results. Some of the services we provide the additive manufacturing market are highlighted below.

Radiography

We use conventional radiography (RT) to detect both surface and subsurface defects, as well as changes in voids, density and thickness. Our experts are also skilled in the use of Computed Tomography (CT), a fast and versatile form of advanced radiography. Clients in many industries rely on RT for its proven accuracy, cost effectiveness and portability. RT is often performed in conjunction with penetrant or magnetic particle inspection for surface coverage. IIA Lab Services can inspect practical thickness ranges up to 3.0” steel.

3D Scanning

Data capture with 3D scanning is fast, flexible, and highly accurate — and well within our wheelhouse at IIA. With multiple scanning platforms, the technique can be used on virtually any component. One of our platforms, CT scanning can capture 100% of internal geometry. Data is displayed in a user-friendly, 3D format featuring a color gradient scale that makes it easy to see exactly where a part is out of compliance — and potentially why. The data display also makes scan-to-CAD comparisons almost effortless.


Manufacturing Process Consulting

From set-up to finishing, 3D printing promises to streamline the manufacturing process. But there may still be room for improvement in your additive manufacturing process. Our experts can offer overall process improvements, as well as insights and best practices gleaned from decades of experience in the manufacturing sector. We are also equipped to provide ISO 9000 quality assessments.

Dimensional Inspections (Metrology)

Vast industry experience and 24-hour operations make IIA the most efficient, effective and trusted leader in dimensional inspections. IIA uses your specifications to conduct First Article Inspections and capability studies, and all of your projects are personally managed by a highly skilled technician or engineer who will communicate directly with you.


Magnetic Particle Inspection

Magnetic particle inspection (MT) can be used to locate surface or shallow sub-surface defects on ferromagnetic material. Our technicians are skilled in the use of both wet and dry methods, and there is virtually no limit to the size and shape of parts that can be inspected using MT.

Metallurgical Testing

Metallurgical testing can be critical for evaluating the quality of metal employed in both industrial (aerospace, construction, medical devices, etc.) and consumer products and components. We use metallurgical testing to verify that metals conform to your requirements and to industry standards. Additionally, our expert analysis can provide insight into the causes of failures from material defects, manufacturing processes, and service.


Dye Penetrant Testing

Dye penetrant testing (PT) is an extremely efficient and low-cost way to detect surface flaws in non-porous materials, such as metals, plastics, or ceramics. We use PT to detect surface defects such as hairline cracks, surface porosity, leaks in new products, and fatigue cracks on in-service components.

Why IIA?


With an average of 25 years of experience, our skilled lab technicians provide highly accurate inspections and customer support throughout the product life cycle, start to finish. Our one-stop-shop services mean faster turnaround times, cost-effective solutions, and highly accurate results.

Partner with IIA Lab Services for:
  • Faster turnaround times
  • Accurate Data/ Reliable Results
  • Cost Containment
  • Responsive Customer Service
From product certification to failure analysis, we deliver the answers you need to move forward safely and with confidence.

We are ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 accredited for testing activities.

Lab Certifications


Employee

  • ASQ Certified Quality Inspector
  • ASQ Certified Quality Technician
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
  • ASQ Certified Quality Auditor
  • NDT Level 2 – Multiple disciplines
  • NDT Level 3 – Multiple disciplines

Employee

  • ISO/IEC 17025:2017
  • ISO/IEC 17065:2012
  • FCC/TCB A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2. B3, and B4
  • IC/FCB Radio scope 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and Broadcasting all BETS in the category
  • China/CCC Mark
  • ITAR
  • NADCAP
  • FAR Part 145 Certified Repair Station

Resources


Big Hex CMM
Did you know? IIA’s Irvine, CA Lab has one of the Largest Area Laser Scanner CMMs in the U.S. - As a premier provider of advanced dimensional metrology services and solutions, Industrial Inspection & Analysis’s (IIA’s) Irvine, California-based lab, previously known as Q-PLUS Labs, proudly houses… Read More
IIA Lab Services
IIA Lab Services Brochure - With roots that date back nearly a century, IIA has grown to become one of North America’s largest and most trusted providers of industrial and commercial… Read More
Industrial Inspection News
IIA General Newsletter – Q1 2023 - One overarching goal guides everything we do at IIA: to make the world a safer place. We do so by providing quality testing, inspection and engineering… Read More