AI and 3D scanning take center stage at Lyon’s 3D Print Congress

Primarily known for its history, culture and cuisine, Lyon has more recently branched out into the tech space by launching the 3D Print Congress & Exhibition. Launched in 2014, the show quickly established a reputation for delivering strong line-ups of interesting exhibitors and key experts in additive manufacturing. 

This year’s edition served up something special for 3D scanning enthusiasts too. A round table about 3D scanning, 3D printing and AI was hosted by yours truly. 

Titled 3D scanning and software: from concept to realization with integration of AI, the round table brought together representatives from tech innovators Hyperganic, Siemens Digital Industries, Symphony 3D, Cognitive Design Systems to discuss this exciting field. 

Round table on AI and 3D scanning at 3D Print Congress in Lyon

A particularly impressive example of AI and machine learning applied to 3D scanning came from Symphony 3D. The company enables audiologists to produce earmolds on-premises through an intelligent application based on 3D scanning and 3D printing. 

Symphony 3D built Oris, a machine that generates earmolds using just a 3D scan. An audiologist simply uploads the scan of a patient’s ear impression and the machine’s AI generates the earmold design. The model is automatically 3D printed, right in the audiology practice.

While this is a powerful 3D scanning use case, for now it's the 3D printing sector that has developed more diverse AI applications. Speaking of additive manufacturing, Emilien Goetz of Siemens Digital Industries put forward a few compelling examples from laser powder bed fusion. ML and AI are being used in this process to reduce the number of clicks, to make simulation software accessible to a wider public and to monitor printing and optimize laser paths to avoid overheating.

Fabrication was also the focus of Cognitive Design Systems, a company developing a product design platform using AI. They set out to answer the question how to optimize part design with its production in mind. In their solution, AI and machine learning are behind manufacturability insights such as instant costs feedback, feasibility analysis, and AM suitability. This information could help more users identify opportunities to leverage 3D printing.

Taking on a hot topic in product design, Michael Robinson of engineering software developer Hyperganic spoke about lattices. AI-based design software is helping companies leverage the advantage of 3D-printed lattices in heat exchange, bioengineering and product design, even without advanced engineering knowledge. 

The range of examples of AI and machine learning applications covered during the discussions was impressively diverse. While the speakers did not come to a unified conclusion about this developing technology, they agreed that understanding its inner workings will be imperative for manufacturers in the years to come.