Sensing Technologies

Photo: Highly sensitive magnetic field sensor, ETH Zurich

Smart sensing technologies are key enablers of advanced manufacturing. Sensors that monitor key process parameters provide information to better control the process and thus improve the quality of the produced materials and parts. ​Distributed sensing in machines not only allows for more reliable and customizable fabrication processes, but also enables the early detection of failures by predictive maintenance.

In addition, sensor systems are increasingly being fitted in the workpiece itself, so that each product can provide its blueprint and report its manufacturing status. One specific challenge to be addressed is the integration of the sensor devices together with electronics, optical systems and the package of the product fabricated using novel hybrid additive manufacturing technologies. For some products, such as wearables, the packaging needs additionally to be flexible and/or stretchable.

The scope of this Technical Focus Area therefore includes not-only research in new sensing technologies for advanced manufacturing, but also suitable new or hybrid additive manufacturing processes for sensor systems and/or new materials (polymers, metals, and composites) for implementing these sensors.

Selected Research Projects

Digital Manufacturing of 3D-Printed Wearable Sensors

MOnitoring and CONTrol of AM metal process

Fast Optimization of Additively Manufactured Metallic Parts with a Combination of Adaptive Feedforward Control and Numerical Simulation