Top 20 Additive Manufacturing Testing Methods

Written by Dr. Bhargav Raval | Updated: May 17, 2026

Top 20 Additive Manufacturing Testing Methods

Written by Dr. Bhargav Raval |  Updated: May 17, 2026
Aerospace aluminum alloy panels after salt spray corrosion test showing coating protection
Aerospace corrosion testing per MIL-STD-810 evaluating alloy and coating protection performance

Top 20 Additive Manufacturing Testing Methods

Additive manufacturing (AM) is defined as a process of combining materials to produce items from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer. The top 20 additive manufacturing testing methods are as below:

  • X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT): This non-destructive testing method is used to evaluate the internal structure of 3D printed parts and identify any defects or anomalies.
  • Optical Microscopy: This method is used to inspect the surface and internal features of 3D printed parts at a high magnification level.
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): This method is used to analyze the surface structure and morphology of 3D printed parts at a high resolution.
  • Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS): This method is used in conjunction with SEM to determine the elemental composition of 3D printed parts.
  • Infrared Spectroscopy: This method is used to identify the chemical composition of 3D printed parts.
  • Tensile Testing: This method is used to evaluate the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts, including their strength and stiffness.
  • Compression Testing: This method is used to evaluate the compressive strength and deformation properties of 3D printed parts.
  • Flexural Testing: This method is used to evaluate the bending strength and stiffness of 3D printed parts.
  • Impact Testing: This method is used to evaluate the resistance of 3D printed parts to impact or shock loads.
  • Fatigue Testing: This method is used to evaluate the durability and fatigue resistance of 3D printed parts under cyclic loading conditions.
  • Hardness Testing: This method is used to evaluate the resistance of 3D printed parts to indentation or penetration.
  • Microhardness Testing: This method is used to evaluate the surface hardness and strength of 3D printed parts at a small scale.
  • Chemical Resistance Testing: This method is used to evaluate the chemical resistance of 3D printed parts to various liquids and gases.
  • Thermal Conductivity Testing: This method is used to evaluate the thermal conductivity and heat transfer properties of 3D printed parts.
  • Electrical Conductivity Testing: This method is used to evaluate the electrical conductivity and resistance properties of 3D printed parts.
  • Dimensional Accuracy Testing: This method is used to evaluate the accuracy and precision of 3D printed parts in terms of their dimensional tolerance and geometric accuracy.
  • Surface Roughness Testing: This method is used to evaluate the surface texture and roughness of 3D printed parts.
  • Microstructure Analysis: This method is used to evaluate the microstructure and grain structure of 3D printed parts.
  • Porosity Testing: This method is used to evaluate the amount and distribution of pores or voids in 3D printed parts.
  • Wear Testing: This method is used to evaluate the wear resistance and frictional properties of 3D printed parts under different operating conditions.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Professionally, he has led R&D in sensor technologies and coatings, including polymer-functionalized piezoelectric sensors for breath-based cancer diagnostics. In his current role, Dr. Raval works closely with clients to understand technical requirements, design testing strategies, and deliver tailored solutions in materials selection, failure analysis, and performance evaluation.... Read More

Home / Thermal Properties of Materials / Top 20 Additive Manufacturing Testing Methods

Discover more from Infinita Lab

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

×

Talk to an Expert

    Connect Instantly

    (888) 878-3090
    Ensure Quality with the Widest Network of Accredited Labs
    • ddd
      Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process
    • ddd
      Confidentiality Guarantee
    • ddd
      Free, No-obligation Consultation
    • ddd
      100% Customer Satisfaction

      ddd

      Start Material Testing