Is this testing service included in your standard metal 3D printing services?
The inclusion of carbon, sulfur, and other material purity testing in our metal 3D printing services operates on a tiered model. It is not a one-size-fits-all offering but is strategically integrated based on the criticality of the application and the required level of documentation.
Standard Service: Foundational Quality Assurance
Our standard metal 3D printing service includes a baseline level of quality control that is essential for producing functional parts. This typically covers:
Incoming Powder Lot Certification: We verify that each new batch of material meets the generic chemical specifications (e.g., a standard ASTM grade for Ti-6Al-4V or Stainless Steel 316L) before it is approved for use. This may involve reviewing the supplier's Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
Standard Mechanical Testing: Witness coupons are produced alongside production parts and tested for tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation to ensure that the process meets the baseline mechanical properties.
Basic Post-Processing: This includes standard stress relief, Heat Treatment, and part removal from the build plate.
In this standard tier, the cost of foundational material certification and process validation is included in the overall service price. There is no separate line item for this basic testing.
Premium Service: Application-Critical Verification
For projects where failure is not an option, additional fees apply for the enhanced testing and certification required. This premium tier is essential for:
Aerospace and Aviation Components
Medical and Healthcare Implants
Critical Energy and Power Parts
The additional costs cover:
Ultra-Trace Purity Analysis: Comprehensive testing for interstitial and tramp elements (O, N, H, S, P, Pb, etc.) to DMS or similar stringent specifications using techniques like GDMS. This is crucial for materials such as superalloys.
Advanced Post-Processing: Mandatory procedures, such as Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) and specific heat treatment cycles, incur additional costs.
Extended Documentation and NDT: A full traceability report with powder lot numbers, comprehensive mechanical test data from witness coupons, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), like CT scanning, are all quoted as value-added services.
Transparent Quotation and Client Choice
Our online quotation system is designed for transparency. The initial quote will reflect the standard service level. If your project demands the enhanced verification of ultra-trace purity control, specialized post-processing, or extensive documentation, these will be presented as optional, clearly priced upgrades. This ensures you only pay for the level of certification your specific application genuinely requires.
