Metal 3D printing is a core technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that can fundamentally transform conventional manufacturing methods. Compared with traditional subtractive machining, it enables the production of parts with complex geometries and can also restore and repair existing structures. Its applications are being widely researched in fields that require high safety standards, including medical, electronics, automotive, aerospace, and space industries.

However, because metal 3D printing produces parts by additive processes, internal defects that are not visible on the surface may occur. Therefore, quality enhancement through nondestructive testing is essential.

Professor Seong-ho Choi of Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) (Los Alamos National Laboratory-Jeonbuk National University Engineering Institute-Korea) developed an AI-based ultrasonic nondestructive testing technology that can nondestructively evaluate internal defects and the quality of metal 3D-printed products, and recently received the 'Most Cited Paper Award' presented by the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.

Professor Choi published a paper related to this research in the society's SCI(E) journal 'International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology' under the title 'Porosity Evaluation of Additively Manufactured Components Using Deep Learning-based Ultrasonic Nondestructive Testing.'

Since its publication, the paper has become the most cited article in the SCI journal and has been recognized globally for its research excellence.

This nondestructive testing technology applies deep learning algorithms to ultrasonic measurement data and performs AI-based nondestructive testing to improve the accuracy of detecting porosity defects inside metal 3D-printed products.

Professor Choi said, 'I am pleased that our research results on the latest AI-based nondestructive testing technology have been widely cited in SCI journals and recognized internationally for research excellence. Together with the members of the Nondestructive Evaluation Laboratory, I will continue to devote our efforts to researching the latest nondestructive testing technologies so that we can contribute to creating a safer world.'

Meanwhile, the Nondestructive Evaluation Laboratory (NDE Lab) of Los Alamos National Laboratory-Jeonbuk National University Engineering Institute-Korea conducts research on structural integrity assessment of nuclear power plant structures, metal 3D-printed products, aircraft components, and carbon composite materials, as well as AI&remote-robot-based nondestructive evaluation.