Additive manufacturing (AM) continues to transform aerospace and defense production, while introducing new inspection challenges that must be addressed to maintain strict safety and reliability standards. Complex geometries, internal channels, and unconventional defect types require nondestructive testing (NDT) methods capable of sensing, measuring, and validating components effectively and efficiently. As production volumes increase and part designs grow more intricate, inspection technologies are being pushed to deliver deeper insight without compromising speed or cost.
Computed tomography (CT) is emerging as a pivotal method for quality assurance in additive manufacturing, driven by the need to verify internal structures in highly complex 3D-printed metal and polymer components. Conventional ultrasonic and radiographic approaches can face limitations when evaluating lattice structures or hidden passages, whereas CT provides full volumetric imaging that allows engineers to examine internal features without damaging the part. This comprehensive visibility is becoming essential for aerospace and defense applications where structural integrity is critical.
Industry groups and standards organizations continue refining guidance to support consistent CT implementation across production environments. By aligning inspection workflows with established best practices, manufacturers improve their ability to detect porosity, voids, inclusions, and dimensional deviations at early stages. Digital workflows, automation, and data analytics are further strengthening quality control, reducing uncertainty and enhancing traceability throughout the manufacturing cycle.
Knowledge exchange has played a central role in accelerating these developments, with resources such as the NDT portal helping engineers and researchers stay informed about emerging inspection strategies. Shared technical papers and conference findings contribute to a broader NDT community focused on solving the practical challenges posed by next-generation manufacturing processes. Collaboration between equipment suppliers, researchers, and end users continues to shape how inspection technologies evolve alongside additive production.
As adoption expands, advances in NDT practices are expected to further integrate CT into mainstream manufacturing environments. For producers and inspection specialists alike, the ability to verify complex internal geometries with confidence is becoming both a technical necessity and a competitive advantage, reinforcing safety, performance, and long-term reliability across demanding industrial sectors.
Source: North Star Imaging, Inc. (NSI) (2026). Inspection for Additive Manufacturing: Advancing Quality with CT. e-Journal of Nondestructive Testing. https://www.ndt.net/?id=32545
