ASTM International and ISO Unveil Framework for Creating Global Additive Manufacturing Standards

News provided by

Oct 06, 2016, 09:59 ET

GENEVA and WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and ASTM International have jointly crafted the Additive Manufacturing Standards Development Structure, a framework which will help meet the needs for new technical standards in this fast-growing field. Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is the process of joining materials layer upon layer, as opposed to "subtractive manufacturing" methods such as machining.

The new structure will help:

guide the work of global experts and standards development organizations involved in AM standardization;
identify standards-related gaps and needs in the AM industry;
prevent overlap and duplicative efforts in AM standards development;
ensure cohesion among AM standards;
prioritize AM standards areas; and,
improve usability and acceptance among the AM community, including manufacturers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and others.

Based on this structure, standards can be developed at three levels:

general standards (e.gs., concepts, common requirements, guides, safety);
standards for broad categories of materials (e.g., metal powders) or processes (e.g., powder bed fusion); and,
specialized standards for a specific material (e.g., aluminum alloy powders), process (e.g., material extrusion with ABS), or application (e.gs., aerospace, medical, automotive).

"This structure will help experts worldwide interact in a more streamlined and meaningful way, leading to the integration and application of new technologies at an accelerated rate," said Carl Dekker, president of MET-L-FLO Inc., and chair of ASTM International's committee on additive manufacturing technologies (F42). "In the future, we could see even more benefits, such as uniform workforce training and a stronger ability to focus on constant quality improvement rather than potential confusion surrounding specifications."

"This coordinated approach to standards development in AM is crucial to building out robust standards at all levels," said Jörg Lenz, collaborative projects coordinator at Electro Optical Systems and chair of ISO Technical Committee 261 on additive manufacturing (ISO/TC261). "Standards developers can see how this new structure allows them to come together, leading to further innovation in fields like aerospace, medical, and automotive, and also other benefits such as a platform for certification activities."

This structure was jointly approved by F42 and ISO/TC261 after a July meeting in Tokyo. This reflects progress under the Partner Standards Developing Organization agreement signed five years ago between the two globally-respected standards development organizations. In creating this document, both groups reviewed past, existing, and planned standards development efforts.

The new structure does not confine the scope of work for any standards organization but provides a framework in which the majority of standards needs can be met. A companion guidance document is also being developed to accompany this structure.

About ASTM International

Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by us, they improve the lives of millions every day. Combined with our innovative business services, they enhance performance and help everyone have confidence in the things they buy and use – from the toy in a child's hand to the aircraft overhead. Working across borders, disciplines, and industries we harness the expertise of over 30,000 members to create consensus and improve performance in manufacturing and materials, products and processes, systems and services. Understanding commercial needs and consumer priorities, we touch every part of everyday life: helping our world work better. www.astm.org

About ISO

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 162 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges. ISO has published more than 21,300 International Standards and related documents covering almost every industry, from technology to food safety, to agriculture and healthcare.

For more information, please visit www.iso.org.

Media Inquiries: Nathan Osburn, tel +1.610.832.9603; [email protected] or Clare Naden, tel +41.22.749.0474; [email protected].

Technical Contacts: Carl Dekker, Chair, F42, +1.630.409.9860, [email protected] or Jörg Lenz, Chair, ISO/TC261, +49.89.893.36.2136, [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/415946LOGO

SOURCE ASTM International