ASTM International10.18.16
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:
Based on this structure, standards can be developed at three levels:
This structure was jointly approved by F42 and ISO/TC261 after a July meeting in Tokyo, Japan. 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.
"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 chairman 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.”
More than 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. ASTM International works across borders, disciplines, and industries to harness the expertise of more than 30,000 members to create consensus and improve performance in manufacturing and materials, products and processes, systems and services.
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.
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,
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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 was jointly approved by F42 and ISO/TC261 after a July meeting in Tokyo, Japan. 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.
"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 chairman 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.”
More than 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. ASTM International works across borders, disciplines, and industries to harness the expertise of more than 30,000 members to create consensus and improve performance in manufacturing and materials, products and processes, systems and services.
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.