Phase3D Unveils Custom Fringe Inspection Hardware
The Chicago-based additive manufacturing inspection developer has introduced a redesigned Fringe Inspection platform built for LPBF 3D printers.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Quantum Computing
Phase3D has introduced a new generation of its Fringe Inspection platform, replacing off-the-shelf components with a custom architecture that combines projection, computing and storage in a single unit. The system measures build-surface height during metal 3D printing using structured-light capture.
Why it matters
The redesign targets easier integration by original equipment manufacturers and supports deployment across larger production fleets. Its layer-level height measurements are being evaluated for correlation with post-build inspection results in production settings.
The system uses a custom projector paired with an integrated industrial PC, GPU, memory and internal storage in an aluminum passive-cooled enclosure, with four hardware trigger channels compatible with 5-24 V signals. Whether in-situ height data will correlate reliably with post-build CT results under production-scale conditions remains under evaluation in NASA qualification research.
The players
Phase3D
A Chicago-based developer of additive manufacturing inspection technology that builds structured-light systems for monitoring metal 3D printing.
NASA
The United States federal space agency, which is running qualification research on inspection data from more than 50,000 printed layers.
The details
The redesigned hardware houses projection, computing and storage in one unit, with M12 connectors handling camera data, power, networking and input/output signals. Fringe Inspection generates quantitative height data for individual layers rather than recording the visual appearance of the powder bed, and supports both sensor-based activation using distance and light measurements and software triggering.
Timeline
June 2026: Phase3D completed a $2.9 million funding round and outlined manufacturing expansion plans.
November 5, 2026: Phase3D introduced the new Fringe Inspection hardware generation.
Ahead of Formnext 2026: Phase3D invited manufacturers to discuss integration opportunities.
The Tech Race
Phase3D's standardized architecture positions it to compete for OEM integration in metal additive manufacturing inspection. The company's hardware is being evaluated within NASA's qualification research program, which tests whether in-situ height measurements can substitute for post-build CT inspection at production scale.
Manufacturers adopting LPBF 3D printers may gain a more straightforward way to add layer-level height inspection to their machines, with sensor-based triggering and standardized hardware. The practical benefit depends on whether OEM integration proves simpler across the fleets and facilities Phase3D is targeting.
The takeaway
Inspection systems that record quantitative build-surface height data during printing could become a standard part of metal additive manufacturing if qualification research confirms their reliability. Teams evaluating in-process monitoring should watch how results from production-scale programs compare with established post-build methods.
Further reading
Explore more on Quantum Computing for context on advanced manufacturing measurement technology.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 3D Printing Industry.
