Defect Analysis in 3D-Printed PLA Materials Using Pulsed Thermography and Advanced Post-Processing Technique

Non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques ensure the safety and reliability of materials widely used in the transportation industry. Due to their lightweight nature, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability, polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials are gaining attention in various transportation sectors, particularly in automotive and railway applications. PLA is commonly used in interior components and lightweight structural elements. However, defects such as voids, porosity, and layer delaminations may occur during the manufacturing process of this material, potentially compromising the material’s mechanical integrity and long-term performance. Infrared non-destructive testing (IRNDT) provides a fast and non-invasive solution for detecting such defects in PLA-based structures. This study evaluates Thermographic Signal Reconstruction (TSR) as a post-processing technique for enhancing defect visibility in 3D-printed PLA samples subjected to pulsed thermography. The results obtained using TSR are compared with raw thermographic data to assess its effectiveness in improving defect detection.