ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas showcased the latest advancements in security technology, offering security professionals a glimpse into the future of the industry. This year's expo highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and enhanced integration. The pioneering comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals to the Venetian Convention Centre.  Integration into unified platforms Several companies emphasised the importance of cloud-based solutions and the integration of diverse security components into unified platforms. For example, Brivo's Security Suite provides “everything in one platform” – not just access control. Customers only pay for what they use because the system is flexible and scalable from a single door to enterprise level applications. Brivo’s suite includes video, but the system can also tie in with third-party “partners.” Genetec's Security Centre allows for more frequent updates through the cloud. Milestone is undergoing a two-year transition to bring its Xprotect system into the future by incorporating Arcules and Briefcam into a video-as-a service product. Suprema introduced BioStar X, which integrates access control and video analytics into a single platform. AI and mobile credentials  Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West 2025 Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West – Eagle Eye Networks, SecuriThings, and Wesco. They join the three partners announced during the first year of Axis Cloud Connect – Genetec, Kone (elevators) and Milestone. AI and mobile credentials were still hot topics at ISC West 2025, but the conversation has evolved beyond amazement at the technologies’ capabilities and now centres on more practical aspects. From the theoretical to the practical “AI and mobility are still the ‘flavors de jour,’ but messages are evolving to manifest AI for better outcomes,” says Heather Torrey, General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas, for Honeywell Building Automation. The company has reframed its security portfolio to be very building- and business-focused, continuing to grow and evolve after the recent acquisition of LenelS2. “From the theoretical to the practical, we want customers to be part of the conversation so we can deliver AI that is meaningful to them, focusing on what’s most important,” says Torrey. Under Honeywell’s new ownership structure, “each part of the business can be more focused on customers’ needs,” she says. Honeywell continues its journey around mobile access and credentialing and migrating to cloud solutions. Innovations in Access Control Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems Access control remains a critical component of security systems, and ISC West 2025 showcased several innovations in this area. Acre is releasing “Gallery,” its version of the App Store for access control. DormaKaba is launching the Keyscan KC Series door controller with TCP/IP connectivity and enhanced features. Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems. Johnson Controls highlighted its C-Cure command centre and C-Cure IQ web client, offering a unified approach to access control and video. Hardware integrations for security panels For service provider Alarm.com, hardware products prepare a path to greater customer experiences, says Abe Kinney, Alarm.com’s Director, Product Management, who oversees hardware integrations for security panels, sensors, video, etc., and drives new product development. “We are looking to bridge the physical world to digital world,” he says. “We want to bring an advantage to our dealers that they can bring to customers.” Because Alarm.com’s customers pay a monthly fee, the products must be durable and economical, says Kinney. “It should work with no need for truck rolls.” The importance of longevity and flexibility Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation. In particular, longevity is important for the Alarm.com’s pro channel. There is also a growing emphasis on deterrence industrywide. Says Kinney: “We recognise that detection is part of it, but we need to prevent problems from happening in the first place. And the industry is re-evaluating.” When it comes to cloud intelligence, Eagle Eye Networks puts the emphasis on flexibility. They offer AI that can perform anywhere on the system infrastructure, on the camera, on their on-site bridge device, or in the cloud. They support their own AI and also any AI product from a third party. “We focus on what customers want from the data AI detects,” says Hans Kahler, Eagle Eye Networks’ Chief Operating Officer. Integration with other systems A timely alert from gun detection could save a life, but AI can also generate information that might be used and analysed later, such as point-of-sale information, dwell time, foot traffic, etc. “What people want is the ability to work with the data for business intelligence,” says Kahler. Integration with other systems provides new opportunities for customers: For example, a licence plate reader at a restaurant drive-thru could trigger customisation of the menu board digital signage based on the customer’s previous buying pattern. Relentless Innovation Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million SKUs for all its various brands, faked in 28 factories in the US Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million stock keeping units (SKUs) for all its various brands manufactured in 28 factories in the United States. Merely complying with regulations such as the “Buy American Act” is a monumental effort considering the massive product line, attendees heard at Assa Abloy’s Annual ISC West Breakfast focusing on compliance challenges in the security market. Meanwhile, back at the trade show booth, Assa Abloy focused on “relentless innovation” in every corner of its product line. Assa Abloy’s message: Innovation in security does not have to be about AI or automation. In fact, inventive approaches to products come in all shapes and sizes and at every level of the product portfolio, and innovation is happening faster than ever. For example, the Safebolt product from Securitech, a brand recently acquired by Assa Abloy, can quickly lock down existing doors with the press of a red button on a cylindrical or mortise lock. Temporary Systems to Secure Events Securing events is the focus of Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions, which specialises in setting up temporary security systems for conventions, trade shows, festivals, construction sites, parades, and other events. They can add technology to situations where previously mostly security officers were used, providing safety/security and enabling more efficient event operation.  “We can put cameras anywhere, whether they need power or not, use cell service or WiFi, a localised network or the internet, or whatever,” says Andrew LaMadrid, VP, Sales for Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions. Event operation and management IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past The focus is on easy implementation, flexibility, and fast setup and removal. “We look for a solution to solve each customer’s pain points,” says LaMadrid. They specialise in setting up and deploying surveillance cameras for safety/security and for event operation and management. Mobile surveillance is a relatively new “piece of our puzzle” when it comes to protecting high-profile events. “People are excited about what we can offer that’s new,” says LaMadrid. Unified Command Solutions has been around for about 12 years and was acquired by Allied Universal last summer. IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past, and visitors were very interested in those solutions, says Scott Switzer, IDIS CEO. “The progression of our product line has been tremendous,” he says. Last year, the IDIS booth offered only basic analytics, but this year they had 30 different advanced analytics including gun and aggression detection using the advanced solution “IDIS Vaidio AI.”  What Makes You Different? The most common question IDIS hears at their trade show booth is: “What makes you different?” The answer: They offer an end-to-end solution, including cameras; they manage, control, design from end-to-end; and there is no need for multiple integrations. The time needed to install an IDIS system is significantly less because of the simplicity. “We have customers we have supported and grown together for over 20 years,” says Switzer. The company previously deployed IDIS cameras under the Costar brand before the Korean IDIS brand was introduced into the U.S. (IDIS purchased Costar and changed the name to IDIS America.) “This has been a tremendous show for us; we are looking to build our momentum and let more people know about IDIS,” says Switzer. Managing real AI at the edge The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations Based in Prague, Czech Republic, and with U.S. offices in Pennsylvania, FF Group provides licence plate recognition for harsh environments. Using Axis cameras, they offer “managed real AI at the edge,” selling through a nationwide distributed network, says Alex Osypov, CEO and Founder of FF Group. Markets include parking lots, cities/municipalities, police, government, water systems, etc. The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations. They are looking to combine and correlate data including LIDAR, RADAR, etc. to exploit the advantages of “data fusion.” Osypov says: “The market is growing because we are involving other adjacent markets.” Unified platforms and advanced tools Several companies are focusing on enhancing security operations centres (SOCs) by providing unified platforms and advanced tools. Axon’s Fusus system “layers” onto existing infrastructure, tying together various sensors into a single interface for real-time monitoring and information sharing. Increasingly, enterprises have invested in a lot of technologies – ac, video, asset trackers – but none of it talks together. Fusus ties all the systems together so that operators no longer have to look at 10 different screens. Rather, there is a “single pane of glass” that shows everything and facilitates sharing of information with law enforcement.  Motorola also showcased its Security Operations Centre, which integrates hardware, software, smart sensors, communication radios, and broadband devices to streamline incident management.

Physical security technologies are a prominent tool used by correctional facilities to provide a safe, secure, and controlled environment for staff, inmates, and the wider community. Among several functions, security technologies are used to prevent unauthorised access, to detect contraband, to monitor inmate movements and activities, and to protect staff. For security technology manufacturers, integrators and consultants, the corrections market presents distinctive challenges. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the corrections market, and how should the physical security industry adapt?

New technology advancements significantly increase efficiency and productivity in any industry, including physical security. Enhanced innovation both creates new products and services and improves existing products, all for the benefit of security manufacturers, integrators, and end users. Companies that embrace new technology stay ahead of the curve and gain a significant competitive advantage. In addition, they can differentiate themselves in the marketplace. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the most promising new technologies in the physical security industry?   

Access control solutions will continue their evolution in 2025 as organisations assess and adapt to dynamic and increasingly dangerous threats. Trends to watch include the growing adoption of mobile access credentials and digital IDs, and the integration of digital and physical security and other technologies. Other ongoing trends include the integration of AI into access control solutions and the increasing adoption of contactless biometrics for enhanced convenience.  New access control innovations As these trends gather momentum, they highlight the pivotal role access control systems play in combining security and convenience, every hour of every day. Organisations must strike the ideal balance between a secure environment and satisfying user experience if they are to meet increasingly vocal demands for both. Achieving this balance not only delivers the expected user experience but also delivers multi-layered threat protection while introducing exciting new access control innovations.  Digital technologies and open standards Modern access control solutions deliver a faster pace of innovation and dramatically improved capabilities Modern access control solutions deliver a faster pace of innovation and dramatically improved capabilities as compared to what was possible in the past. The primary objective is no longer simply to secure places and assets so they are beyond the reach of the wrong people. Now it also must be as easy as possible for authorised individuals to enter a building or access digital assets. Mobile access credentials and digital IDs are increasingly a preferred solution for achieving this seamless and convenient access experience. Technology convergence is happening at a rapid pace and this convergence makes it possible to integrate digital and physical security with real-time location systems and other technologies. Together, these converged technologies provide multi-layered protection against both cyber and physical threats while also enabling valuable new capabilities.  2024 State of Physical Access Control Report As AI is increasingly incorporated into access-control solutions, we will see even more powerful ways to leverage access control data for analytics use cases. Almost 40% of respondents to our 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report said they were looking to do this. Equally consequential is the rise of fast, frictionless and easy contactless biometrics solutions in a wide range of applications including healthcare, where 32% of respondents to our recent 2024 State of Healthcare Security Report said their facilities have already implemented this technology for authentication. Looking at the broader marketplace, nearly one in four (23%) respondents to our 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report cited biometrics when asked to “name the top three trends shaping the wider access control industry in the near future.” Evolution of access control solutions As access control solutions become increasingly central to secure and convenient daily life, these and other trends will have an ongoing impact on all market sectors from healthcare and banking to the corporate real estate enterprise and business and college campuses. At the same time, those responsible for a facility’s digital and physical assets know that these trends – and security in general – will never be a static proposition. The only constant is change. Threats will never stop evolving, and those tasked with protecting organisations against these threats must never stand still. The evolution of access control solutions that we saw during 2024 will continue through 2025 and beyond, and organisations will need to remain thorough and vigilant as they address today’s ever-expanding attack surfaces and ever-evolving attack schemes.

This week, System Surveyor launched Camera Advisor, a feature available on System Surveyor’s web-based site survey and collaborative system design platform that helps users select the right video surveillance camera for each deployment. By identifying the specific resolution requirements needed for specific video analytics, licence plate recognition (LPR), people counting, object recognition, and other AI-based applications, Camera Advisor simplifies the system design process by identifying the ideal camera for each unique application. Camera Advisor Camera Advisor ensures users select the right camera for each unique deployment area Based on the trusted industry standards of DORI (Detection, Observation, Recognition, Inspection), Camera Advisor streamlines complex technical decisions. Using the industry’s only two-way recommendation capability, Camera Advisor allows users to choose a camera and then view its resolution or select a desired resolution, then choose from a set of recommended cameras. With this ability to visualise a camera’s area of coverage (AoC), image quality (i.e. pixels per foot) and resolution at various distances, Camera Advisor ensures users select the right camera for each unique deployment area, streamlining the system design process and preventing human error. Simplifying the system design process “Our mission at System Surveyor has always been to simplify the system design process through powerful, intuitive and collaborative tools,” said Christopher Hugman, CEO of System Surveyor. “With the launch of Camera Advisor, we’re taking a major step forward in helping security professionals make smarter, faster decisions when selecting surveillance cameras.  We want to empower our users to design systems with greater accuracy, efficiency, and confidence.” For system integrators, Camera Advisor helps set customer expectations for image quality. For end users, Camera Advisor gives security professionals the confidence to select the right camera for their application. Key features: Identify the ideal cameras for AI, video analytics, LPR, people counting, object recognition and more Leverage DORI standards for real-time visualisation, measuring Pixels Per Foot, Angle and Distance Narrow the preferred surveillance cameras to automate a bill of materials No need to switch between different tools or reference sheets Learn more about System Surveyor’s Camera Advisor.

Codelocks has appointed Elisa Burgos Martínez as the Regional Sales Manager serving customers in Spain, France, Belgium, and Portugal. In her role, Elisa will develop relationships in the EMEA market by applying localised communications techniques to provide a tailored service to customers, solidifying Codelocks’ presence and reputation as a pioneer in access control solutions. She was chosen to serve the southwestern European markets because of her extensive sales experience and multilingual expertise, speaking Spanish, French and Dutch, as well as some Japanese and Chinese. Extensive industry experience Elisa comes to Codelocks having held managerial sales roles in several markets and sectors  Elisa comes to Codelocks having held managerial sales roles in several markets and sectors across Asia and Europe. She has a wealth of experience in cross-cultural relationship management, export and domestic sales, market research, and strategy. Combining her knowledge and, indeed, ‘speaking their language’, she brings a new perspective to building trust with Codelocks’ customers and creating stronger relationships. Valuable addition Eddy van der Vegte, General Manager at Codelocks EU, said, “Elisa is a valuable addition, bringing decades of experience across Europe and Asia to the table.” He adds, “Her expertise will do well in establishing long-lasting relationships built on trust and on Codelocks’ reputation as an innovative leader in the access control sector. We look forward to seeing the evolution of access control continue to build momentum, and to have Elisa here to communicate those innovations to the region.” Elisa Martínez, Regional Sales Manager, said, “I’m looking forward to adding value to the sales process through the skills I’ve developed around the world and in varied sectors. From explaining and filling communication gaps in various languages, to providing tailored solutions to the access control challenges in the region, I am thrilled to be a part of the Codelocks EU team.”

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the UK and Eire’s most widely recognised certification body for fire and security providers, is delighted to announce the appointment of Jon Webster as its new Head of Marketing. Jon will be leading NSI’s marketing strategy and communications, helping to strengthen the organisation’s brand and support its continued growth across the security and fire safety sectors. Global growth and launch of new services Jon brings extensive experience in marketing leadership, most recently as Marketing Director at Practicus Jon brings extensive experience in marketing leadership, most recently as Marketing Director at Practicus, a company specialising in business transformation and change. In that role, Jon developed strategies that boosted digital performance, enhanced brand positioning and supported international growth and the launch of new services.   At NSI, Jon will shape the organisation’s marketing direction, working closely with colleagues, certified companies and industry partners. His focus will be on amplifying NSI’s voice with both industry and public audiences, enhancing engagement and reinforcing awareness of the important role NSI plays in raising standards and protecting the public. Growth and engagement strategy Richard Fogelman, Chief Executive Officer at NSI, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jon to the team. His experience and expertise in building effective marketing functions will be invaluable as NSI continues to evolve and deliver assurance to businesses and peace of mind to the public. Marketing is a critical part of our growth and engagement strategy and Jon will play a key role in driving this forward.” Jon Webster added: “I’m excited to be joining NSI at such an important time. NSI has a strong culture, a clear mission and a vital role in the industry as a trusted partner. I look forward to helping further develop and share NSI’s story, working alongside colleagues, certified companies and industry partners to support the next stage of the organisation’s journey.”

Concern about the safety of senior company pioneers has surged, with nearly half (46%) of U.S.-based chief security officers (CSOs) reporting that the threat of violence toward executives has increased in the last two years. The threat increases to 49% for publicly traded companies and soars to 66% for technology companies. More companies in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors than any other are providing senior pioneers with executive protection, both at 40% (33% U.S. average), as well as providing executives’ families with protection. Misinformation and disinformation Technology companies were most affected, according to 89%, followed by energy businesses This escalating risk is underscored by global institutional investors, with 97% deeming it important for companies to invest in security for their executives and nearly seven in 10 (68%), saying that the contributions of senior executives represent 30% or more of the value of the companies they invest in. Misinformation and disinformation are pervasive and can put senior executives at greater risk. Three-quarters (75%) of U.S. CSOs say their companies were targeted by a mis/disinformation campaign last year. Technology companies were most affected, according to 89%, followed by energy businesses, according to 88% of CSOs. Customers’ concern for the safety Steve Jones, Allied Universal Global Chairman and CEO, said, "In a world of increasing polarisation, and when mistruths and untruths can be shared instantaneously, companies and their senior pioneers face heightened risks. As a CEO, this impacts me personally and professionally." He adds, "Now more than ever, personal safety is on my mind and the minds of my loved ones. Professionally, I’ve seen an increase in our customers’ concern for the safety of their employees." Financial impact of security incidents More than a quarter of U.S. CSOs (27%) reported revenue losses following an incident last year The report finds that the financial impact of security incidents is substantial. More than a quarter of U.S. CSOs (27%) reported revenue losses following an incident last year, with the average company globally losing at least $9 million. In total, the companies surveyed globally lost close to $1 trillion in revenue due to physical security incidents. Investors say a physical security incident could impact the value of a publicly traded company on average up to 32%, up 3% compared to 2023. These are key findings from the 2025 World Security Report commissioned by Allied Universal, the world’s pioneering security and facility services provider. Total annual revenue The global report surveyed 2,352 chief security officers, working for medium and large global companies, in 31 countries, with total annual revenue exceeding $25 trillion. With the U.S. being the largest security market in the world, 620 U.S.-based security chiefs from 10 sectors participated. The report also incorporates the perspectives of 200 global institutional investors managing over $1 trillion in assets.

DeterTech, official site security partner to Brentford Football Club, has announced it will be participating in the next Bike to Brentford designated matchday, taking place at the Gtech Community Stadium on 27th September, 2025. DeterTech will be outside the ground offering free SmartWater bike marking to fans arriving on two wheels. The “Bike to Brentford” initiative aims to promote sustainability, encouraging fans to arrive to the stadium in modes that reduce their environmental impact including public transport, walking, and cycling. DeterTech is the owner of SmartWater – the award-winning forensic marking technology – and will be stationed by the stadium’s bike park before the game help tackle bike theft. Latest crime trends and solutions SmartWater is a ‘traceable liquid’ which provides a legally irrefutable way to identify stolen goods Fans can get their bikes marked with SmartWater for free and speak to the DeterTech team for expert advice on the latest crime trends and solutions. SmartWater is a ‘traceable liquid’ which provides a legally irrefutable way to identify stolen goods and return them back to their rightful owner. James Beale, Head of Sustainability and Community, Brentford Football Club, says "We're making it easier and safer for fans to cycle to games through our Bike to Brentford initiative. On select matchdays we're putting up secure bike parks around the stadium and providing bike mechanics to repair fans' bikes at no cost to them." He adds, "Thanks to DeterTech offering free bike marking, we can give our fans even greater peace of mind. We hope that extra security encourages them to switch to cycling more often throughout the week, not just on matchdays." Brentford’s continued commitment Baba Devani, CEO at DeterTech, said: "We are inspired by Brentford’s continued commitment to its community and are thrilled to be supporting the “Bike to Brentford” scheme. Marking property with SmartWater is a proven crime prevention measure that ensures supporters can enjoy the game without having to worry about their bike." Members of the DeterTech team will also be joining the Brentford Community Sports Trust in completing the Palace to Palace bike ride to raise funds for the King’s Trust taking place on October 5th 2025.

ZeroEyes, the creators of the first AI-based gun detection video analytics platform to earn the full U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, and Singlewire Software, the pioneer in solutions that help keep people safe and informed, announced a new partnership to improve emergency communications in schools. As part of this collaboration, Glassboro Public School District (GPSD) in New Jersey has become the first joint customer to deploy an integrated solution combining ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection with Singlewire’s InformaCast incident management software. Real-time gun detection alerts This integration supports faster, more coordinated emergency responses  The integration enables real-time gun detection alerts from ZeroEyes to automatically trigger Singlewire’s InformaCast system, which can instantly distribute customised alerts across a wide range of devices. These include digital signage, PA systems, strobe lights, desk phones and more, all reaching targeted audiences. This integration supports faster, more coordinated emergency responses and ensures critical information reaches those who need it most. Hosting emergency training exercises GPSD is a Pre-K through 12 public school district located in Glassboro, New Jersey, serving approximately 1,950 students and 350 staff members across four schools and two district buildings. With a diverse student population and deep partnerships with neighboring Rowan University, the district offers specialised academics in Performing Arts, STEM, Biomedical Studies, and Business Leadership. The district prioritises safety and mental health, using tools like Senso and Gaggle to flag concerning keywords in emails, as well as hosting emergency training exercises with local law enforcement. ZeroEyes’ capabilities “Our district was immediately impressed upon seeing a demonstration of ZeroEyes’ capabilities, and recognised that integrating it with our Singlewire software would significantly enhance our security system,” said Craig Stephenson, assistant superintendent at GPSD. “The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and this integration adds a critical new layer of protection.” Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Singlewire Software is a major provider of mass notification systems for schools, healthcare, government, and enterprise organisations. InformaCast platform Its InformaCast platform enables organisations to communicate quickly and effectively during emergencies and daily operations. Singlewire serves more than 2,000 K-12 customers across all 50 states and is widely trusted for its reliability and flexibility in high-stakes environments. “Shootings typically last only five to seven minutes, so every second counts,” said Terry Swanson, president and CEO of Singlewire Software. “By integrating ZeroEyes’ AI-based detection with our mass notification platform, we help schools take fast, decisive action. Our goal is to keep people safe and informed everywhere, every time, and this partnership strengthens that mission.” AI gun detection AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation centre, which is staffed 24/7/365 by military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to first responders and school staff as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. Integration with Singlewire “This integration with Singlewire is a powerful example of how two technologies can complement each other to enhance school safety,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “While ZeroEyes provides the critical early detection of a potential threat, Singlewire enables that intelligence to be instantly delivered across a wide range of devices and formats.” “It’s a mutually beneficial partnership that simplifies emergency response and helps protect lives. We’re proud to see this technology in action with Glassboro Public Schools and look forward to bringing it to more districts in the future.”

DeterTech, a pioneer in intruder detection and site security, is proud to announce its involvement with the latest series of DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland, with the next episode due to air on Sunday 5th October on RTÉ One.  One episode this series focuses on a life-changing project in Killinarden, Tallaght to adapt the home of nine-year-old Cayden and his family into a safe and accessible space that is tailored to their needs. Cayden was born with Arthrogryposis and is fully dependent on a wheelchair. The DIY SOS team stepped in after learning he was largely confined to the living room and needed to be carried upstairs, to and from his bedroom and to the toilet affecting his and his family’s qualities of life. Seeing so many volunteer tradespeople and suppliers come together to transform the terraced house was a truly special moment and makes for a spectacular reveal. DeterTech volunteers Members of DeterTech volunteered alongside more than 90 incredible tradespeople and suppliers  Members of DeterTech volunteered alongside more than 90 incredible tradespeople and suppliers – from builders and electricians through to landscapers and gardeners. DeterTech also supplied the site security solutions necessary to protect people, tools and materials throughout the build.  Speaking about the project Michael Kennedy, CFO, DeterTech, says: “We pride ourselves on bringing greater peace of mind to people and communities every day. Being there on reveal day to see the reaction is something I’ll never forget. I’d like to pay huge thanks to the entire DIY SOS family for involving us, and to all the volunteers, suppliers and organisers who worked so hard to create a better future for Cayden and his family.” DeterTech on board Helena Ryan, Managing Director Cooga Safety Services Group and Safety Supervisor for DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland, adds: “One of the builds that features this series had 1,346 people on site, all of whom benefitted from the services DeterTech provides. DeterTech went above and beyond, did phenomenal work and I look forward to collaborating again in the future.” Orlagh Murphy of indiepics, the production company behind the show, concludes: “Having DeterTech on board has been a game-changer for our site safety and security. It gives our crew, contractors and volunteers the confidence they need to press on and transform the homes of our very deserving recipients.” 

Powder bed-based laser melting of metals (PBF-LB/M) is a key technology in additive manufacturing that makes it possible to produce highly complex and high-performance metal components with customised material and functional properties. This technology is used in numerous industries - from aerospace and medical technology to the automotive industry - and is considered groundbreaking for the manufacturing of the future. Advances in process monitoring and control are crucial to further increasing the quality, reproducibility and efficiency of this manufacturing process. Imaging components of the research project A key challenge is the precise analysis of the layer-by-layer laser melting process, as this has a decisive influence on component quality. As part of research into increasing process stability and efficiency, students and scientific staff at the Laser Application Centre (LAZ) at Aalen University are conducting global, dynamic observation of the PBF-LB/M process.  The imaging components of the research project are two high-performance USB3 industrial cameras from IDS In the context of high-speed process control with temperature feedback, phenomena such as spatter and smoke formation, solidification behaviour, and the safe movement of mechanical components during additive manufacturing are investigated. This is supplemented by a high-resolution, static analysis of the remelted component layer geometries and precise detection of potential defects in the powder layers in order to be able to draw well-founded conclusions about the resulting component quality. The imaging components of the research project are two high-performance USB3 industrial cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems. Two IDS industrial cameras provide the necessary image information The two different tasks require different camera models. "We use a model from the USB3 uEye CP camera family for the global, dynamic observation of the PBF-LB/M process, such as splashes or the formation of smoke." "A USB3 uEye camera from the SE series is used for the static, high-resolution identification of anomalies within the powder layers and in the remelted component layer geometries," explains David Kolb, research associate at the LAZ. Requirements for the camera systems The requirements for the two IDS camera systems are different due to their areas of application in the PBF-LB/M The requirements for the two IDS camera systems are different due to their areas of application in the PBF-LB/M. "Since powder bed-based laser beam melting of metals is a highly dynamic additive manufacturing process in which the component is generated layer by layer, the following features were particularly important for global, dynamic monitoring: The camera must offer a resolution of more than 1000 x 1000 pixels and a frame rate of more than 100 fps, cover an image field of at least 100 mm x 100 mm and have a trigger port for video recordings," says David Kolb, explaining the choice of camera model. The selected U3-3040CP-C-HQ Rev.2.2 enables excellent image quality even in low light or when the camera should take pictures of fast-moving objects. The integrated IMX273 global shutter CMOS sensor from Sony's Pregius range scores particularly well for its image quality, high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. With a resolution of 1.58 megapixels (1456 x 1088 px), it achieves a frame rate of 251 frames per second - ideal for detailed video and image analyses of dynamic processes. Layer-by-layer PBF-LB/M process The video sequence/image shows the layer-by-layer PBF-LB/M process with different laser parameters, recorded with the U3-3040CP-C-HQ Rev.2.2 from IDS using the IDS peak software. "Depending on the setting of the industrial camera, various process properties such as material evaporation or the quantity and direction of splashes during the PBF-LB/M can be observed and quantified," says David Kolb, describing the application. "The knowledge gained from this provides us with important information to understand the laser-material interactions of the additive manufacturing process in greater depth and to be able to customise the manufacturing parameters depending on the material or, for example, the component geometry." New types of soft magnetic components The stator half-shell made of FeSi6.5, based on this, enables ideal adaption to the needs of transverse flux machines To determine the process parameters, cube-shaped components were additively manufactured and the global manufacturing process was analysed using the USB3 uEye CP camera. This made it possible to identify optimum laser parameters with which new types of soft magnetic components for more efficient electric motors of the future can be produced from the difficult-to-process iron-silicon alloy with 6.5 wt.% silicon (FeSi6.5). The stator half-shell made of FeSi6.5 based on this enables ideal adaptation to the special requirements of transverse flux machines thanks to its optimised, three-dimensional magnetic flux guidance. Use of additive manufacturing technologies The high electrical resistance of the material and the design freedom of the PBF-LB/M allow a reduction in eddy current losses, increased power density and the integration of additional functions such as cooling structures.  Both the complex geometry and the brittle, soft magnetic material FeSi6.5 are almost impossible to produce or process using conventional manufacturing processes and require the use of additive manufacturing technologies. BSI technology The sensor must be able to detect geometric features below 40 µm in order to identify defects in the layers For static, high-resolution observation of powder layers or component layer geometries, on the other hand, the following camera properties are required in particular - in addition to a trigger port for single image recording: The sensor must be able to detect geometric features below 40 µm in order to identify defects in the layers and offer an image field of at least 100 mm × 100 mm and an image ratio that is as square as possible (1:1). This is exactly what the 20.36 megapixel (4512 x 4512 px) industrial camera U3-3990SE Rev.1.2 delivers. With the IMX541, it has a high-performance, extremely high-resolution, large-format 1.1" CMOS sensor from Sony's Pregius S series. The BSI technology ("Back Side Illuminated") used enables smaller pixels (2.74 µm) and a higher resolution, as well as improved quantum efficiency and sensitivity. User-friendly and flexibly integrable IDS cameras "Thanks to the particularly user-friendly and flexibly integrable IDS cameras, the necessary adjustments to the test setup could be implemented quickly and easily so that the USB3 uEye SE can be positioned specifically at a defined angle," explains David Kolb. The near-vertical observation of the individual powder component geometry layers will provide valuable insights The near-vertical observation of the individual powder component geometry layers will provide valuable insights into component quality and potential manufacturing defects once the final adjustments have been completed. In this way, crucial information about the properties of additively manufactured components can be obtained and used specifically to optimise the manufacturing processes. Outlook Research in the field of PBF-LB/M is essential for the development and processing of new material alloys and the production of performance-enhancing, sometimes multi-material component geometries. An in-depth understanding of the process helps to minimise defects and realise innovative designs that would not be possible using conventional production methods. The IDS cameras provide in-depth insights into the PBF-LB/M and thus make a valuable contribution to research, development and transfer (R&D&T) - for example, in the processing of new material alloys or the production of complex, application-optimised (multi-material) components. In future, artificial intelligence will be used to automatically analyse the dynamic and static observation of the PBF-LB/M. The aim is to gain an even better understanding of the highly dynamic laser-material interaction - such as the number and trajectory of spatter and the formation of process errors - and to further improve the additive manufacturing process in terms of resource efficiency and sustainability.