Metal AM process with in situ inspection

A method of inspecting a part while said part is being produced by

• an additive manufacturing technique, said method comprising the steps of:
• using an inspection system, which includes:
• an additive manufacturing apparatus having a build tray, said additive manufacturing apparatus being configured to fabricate said part layer-by-layer on said build tray;
• an automated tool holder carrying a tool configured to deposit, add or weld layer-upon-layer of material to form a cross-section of said part;
• said tool holder and said build tray being configured to move relative to one another along a path defined by a build program;
• and
• an inspection device comprising an eddy current probe attached to said tool holder, said inspection device configured to scan a layer of said material in situ and detect defects in said layer once said layer is deposited, added or welded;
• and
• wherein said tool holder alternately arranges said tool and said inspection device in a working position for use;
• arranging said tool in said working position to deposit, add or weld at least one layer of said material to form a cross-section of said part;
• switching said tool with said inspection device via said automated tool holder such that said inspection device is disposed in said working position;
• providing relative movement between said tool holder and said build tray while scanning said at least one layer with said inspection device;
• and
• detecting one or more defects in said at least one layer using said inspection device
• wherein the tool and the inspection device are both attached to the holder at the same time.