ASTM International, an organization working to develop and integrate standards to improve health and safety, has published two new additive manufacturing standards in conjunction with its 3D printing technology committee (F42). These two new standards are expected to have a significant impact on the adoption and development of AM technology, particularly in the aerospace industry. In addition, both standards align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9, which focuses on resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialization and innovation.
The first standard (F3571) provides guidelines for the control and quality assessment of raw metal powder. The standard is designed to help manufacturers measure the quality of their raw material, including the amount of irregularly shaped powder particles that can affect the flowability and mechanical properties of the finished product.
The second standard (F3572) contains a classification scheme for 3D printed aircraft parts. This classification system can serve as a consistent measure of risk for these parts, enabling consistent inspection, testing and qualification processes.
“It’s important to understand the risks of using 3D printing by understanding the consequences of failure, including loss of intended function,” said Chul Park, member of ASTM International and F42 Vice-President. “This information can be beneficial in establishing consistent processes for a specific risk scale.”
The publication of new standards by ASTM International shows the organization’s commitment to promoting responsible and safe use of 3D printing technology. The standards provide a coherent framework for quality control and risk assessment of metallic powder and aerospace component feedstocks and are likely to serve as a catalyst for the further development and adoption of additive technologies in various industries.
Source: www.astm.org