Additive Manufacturing Gets a 'Universal Language'

IndustryWeek (Alpern) - SME and ASTM develop rapid manufacturing industry’s first standards for terminology, design and testing methods.

In an effort to eliminate the confusion over terminology, design, testing methods, materials and processing differences, SME's Rapid Technologies and Additive Manufacturing (RTAM) community approached ASTM to develop the industry's first-ever standards.

Stucker, who is also the chairman of Committee F42 says that terminology standards "will help clarify communications" especially in industries such as medical manufacturing and aerospace where consistency is a must. And according to ASTM, these new standards will "allow manufacturers to compare and contrast the performance of different additive processes" and "enable researchers and process developers to provide repeatable results." In addition to terminology, Committee F42 will also develop other key industry standards. "Test methods will more than likely be our next effort, but additive manufacturing industry design, materials, and processes are also in the works and will be developed in parallel," says Stucker.

See more at ASTM Website