---
title: LLNL Researchers Use X-ray Imaging to Mitigate Defects in Metal 3D Printed Parts
description: A multi-lab team of researchers has developed a diagnostic machine that uses X-Rays to identify the causes of defects in 3D printed metal parts. The X-Ray imaging proved able to detect errors below surface level, such as pores, which cannot be detected in visible light investigations.
---

[Fluid Systems Engineering & Management Blog | Swagelok NorCal ](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog)

# [LLNL Researchers Use X-ray Imaging to Mitigate Defects in Metal 3D Printed Parts](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog/llnl-researchers-use-x-ray-imaging-to-mitigate-defects-in-metal-3d-printed-parts)

 Written by [Jeff Hopkins](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog/author/jeff-hopkins) | 12/24/19 5:00 PM

A multi-lab team of researchers has developed a diagnostic machine that uses X-Rays to identify the causes of defects in 3D printed metal parts. The X-Ray imaging proved able to **detect errors below surface level**, such as pores, which cannot be detected in visible light investigations.

[Read the full article on* 3D Printing Industry *→](https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/llnl-researchers-use-x-ray-imaging-to-mitigate-defects-in-metal-3d-printed-parts-157678/)

[View full post](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog/llnl-researchers-use-x-ray-imaging-to-mitigate-defects-in-metal-3d-printed-parts)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Jeff Hopkins"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2019-12-24T17:00:00.718Z",
  "datePublished" : "2019-12-24T17:00:00Z",
  "headline" : "LLNL Researchers Use X-ray Imaging to Mitigate Defects in Metal 3D Printed Parts",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 628,
    "url" : "https://northerncal.swagelok.com/hubfs/LLNL_Researchers_Use_X-ray_Imaging_to_Mitigate_Defects_in_Metal_3D_Printed_Parts.png",
    "width" : 1200
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog/llnl-researchers-use-x-ray-imaging-to-mitigate-defects-in-metal-3d-printed-parts",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Swagelok Northern California Blog"
  }
}
```