Ongoing standardization activities in additive manufacturing

The current lack of standards in additive manufacturing (AM) obstructs the use of qualification and certification schemes and prevents the generalisation of AM as a mainstream manufacturing technique, particularly in those fields where the certification is mandatory (medical, aeronautical, automotive, etc). This post summarises the joint efforts carried out by various international organisations to develop new standards in accordance with the priorities of stakeholders. 

The standards currently applied with regard to other conventional manufacturing processes (machining, welding, casting, polymer processing, etc.) or materials (metals, plastics, ceramics) are not always suitable for AM technologies.

AM, which involves different technologies, has particular materials and operational parameters that show great influence on the final quality and properties of the part. 

Challenges due to lack of standards were identified in the following areas [1]:

• Materials
• Processes and equipment
• Qualification and certification
• AM modeling and simulation

Some recommendations [2] on standards and certification were identified: 

• Develop processes to increase certification of AM, e.g., advanced in-process inspection and quality control  techniques
• Further industry engagement in the ASTM F42, BSI, and ISO working groups on standards development
• Develop methodologies for preventing or correcting product defects

Structure of AM standardisation agreed by ASTM ISO [1]

SASAM [2] provided a list of priorities for standards and a road map with a time schedule: 

• One set of AM standards to be used all over the world
• Common road map and organizational structure for AM standards
• Use and build upon existing standards, modified for AM when necessary

The latest situation is that of joint standard development by ISO–ASTM for AM. Several standards have been provided to the AM community. These new AM standards are expected to 

• facilitate the growth of the AM activity 
• increase profits in the industry 
• assure quality and facilitating certification of products in some sectors where this requirement is mandatory

A consensual structure will provide, in accordance with the priorities requested by stakeholders, a solid basis to provide useful standards in line with the spectacular development of AM technologies.

List of ongoing standards by ASTM F42 [1]

The first challenge of this standardization process is to

• address real requirements and needs of the industry and AM community 
  
• avoid unnecessary standard rules that increase costs of production.

The second challenge is an efficient coordination with other committees for standardization, working in materials and processes in order to avoid unnecessary overlapping with more general standards.

The possibility of AM-specific standards jointly coordinated by ISO and ASTM opens new opportunities for the global spread of AM among countries and companies.

References
[1] M. D. Monzón & Z. Ortega & A. Martínez & F. Ortega Int J Adv Manuf Technol (2015) 76:1111–1121
[2] Feenstra F, Boivie K,Verquin B, Spierings A, Buining H, SchaeferM (2014) Road map for additive manufacturing (SASAM project FP7–NMP–2012-CSA-6-319167)