Four vendors bring build simulation, monitoring and quality data tools to Formnext

PanOptimization, Additive Assurance, Phase3D and amsight will each present tools at Formnext 2026 that aim to catch problems in metal additive manufacturing before, during or after a build. They cover simulation, in-situ monitoring, layer inspection hardware and linked quality records. All four ask visitors to bring concrete production problems such as failed builds, CT queues and qualification effort.

Context LPBF (laser powder bed fusion) builds metal parts by melting thin layers of powder with a laser; in-situ monitoring means measuring the process while the part is being built.

Simulation before the build: PanX

PanOptimization offers PanX, a physics-based thermo-mechanical simulation for metal AM. It analyses whole parts and whole builds, taking into account the process settings, the constraints on the part and the timing of a specific printer. The aim is to show how a build is likely to behave before it starts, instead of learning from a failed or out-of-tolerance part. PanX is already used by Nikon SLM Solutions. The company is at Booth D49, Hall 11.0.

Monitoring and inspection during the build

Additive Assurance will demonstrate AMiRIS, an in-situ quality platform for LPBF from Australia. It senses in the near infrared, analyses the data automatically and reports in a browser. Users can compare builds and parts with known-good references, locate anomalies and produce traceable evidence. It is offered for standard and large-format machines, and an integrated version exists for machine makers. Booth E41, Hall 12.1, in the Victorian Government Pavillion.

Phase3D presents a new generation of its Fringe Inspection hardware. It projects structured light onto the powder bed to get layer-by-layer height data, which helps engineers find anomalies and powder bed changes. Unlike the first version built from off-the-shelf parts, this one has a custom projector, onboard computing and a passively cooled aluminium housing, designed for volume production and OEM integration. Booth A56, Hall 11.0.

Quality records across the process chain: amsight

amsight sells quality management software that links data from powder, printing, post-processing and inspection in one platform. Features include QR-code powder tracking, automatic data capture and reporting, traceability and statistical process control. It is meant to complement existing MES, quality and ERP systems rather than replace them. Booth E81, Hall 12.1.

What it means

The four tools address different costs: scrap and trial builds, late-found defects, CT inspection queues and the manual work of qualification reports. For small and mid-sized EU manufacturers, the relevant question is which of these dominates their cost per part. Simulation and monitoring only help if results feed a documented process, and integration with a given machine is a prerequisite. The offerings are vendor claims at this stage; no performance figures were given, so pilots on real parts are the realistic way to judge them.

Frequently asked questions

What does PanX simulate?

PanX is a thermo-mechanical simulation for whole parts and builds in metal AM. It uses process settings, boundary conditions and printer timing to show likely build behaviour before printing.

How does Phase3D's Fringe Inspection work?

It uses structured light to measure the build surface during printing, giving layer-by-layer height data. Engineers use it to find anomalies and powder bed changes.

Where can visitors find these vendors?

PanOptimization is at Booth D49, Hall 11.0, Additive Assurance at E41, Hall 12.1, Phase3D at A56, Hall 11.0 and amsight at E81, Hall 12.1.