Objective & Scope
Establishing a standardized visual baseline is the first step toward reliable production in any additive manufacturing workflow. This guideline outlines the specific artifacts and surface deviations that signal a need for process adjustment. We prioritize the detection of errors that automated software might overlook, ensuring that every part meets the aesthetic and functional requirements of its intended application.
Technical Protocol
Proper inspection requires controlled variables, specifically in lighting and magnification. A high-intensity LED source with a color temperature of 5000K provides the necessary clarity to reveal micro-cracks and layer inconsistencies. We recommend holding the part at a 45-degree angle to the light to maximize shadow contrast and reveal subtle geometric shifts.
- Surface Uniformity: Check for z-wobble, ringing, or salmon skin artifacts that indicate mechanical looseness in the printer gantry.
- Extrusion Consistency: Identify signs of under-extrusion, such as microscopic gaps between walls, or over-extrusion blobs that affect tolerances.
- Support Interface: Inspect the quality of the 'skin' layer where supports were removed, looking for excessive scarring or fused material.
Verification Criteria
The acceptance of a part is ultimately determined by its end-use category. While a cosmetic prototype requires a flawless exterior finish, a functional jig or internal bracket may tolerate surface blemishes as long as the critical dimensions and structural integrity remain intact. All observations should be logged in the iteration diary to ensure the root causes of failures are addressed in the next design cycle.