A new ASTM International standard will aid in the continuing acceptance of additive manufacturing processes throughout a variety of industries. The new standard, ASTM F2924, Specification for Additive Manufacturing Titanium-6 Aluminum-4 Vanadium with Powder Bed Fusion, was developed by Subcommittee F42.05 on Materials and Processes.

F42.05 is part of ASTM International Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies. 

According to Shane Collins, managing director, Directed Manufacturing, and chairman of F42.05, powder bed fusion describes a 3D printing process in which electron beams and laser beams grow engineered parts from polymer and metal powders in a powder bed.

“Currently, powder bed fusion processes can economically replace traditional manufacturing techniques in which an engineered component is highly complex or designed to be built via additive manufacturing,” says Collins. “ASTM F2924 provides the framework whereby the powder bed fusion materials and processes can be controlled and monitored in such a way that satisfies the requirements of safety and performance critical components.” 

According to Collins, ASTM F2924 will be initially used by engineers designing high value objects such as human implants and aerospace components. However, as speed increases and the price of additive manufactured components decreases, the standard will be used by a wider audience for a variety of titanium parts for automotive applications and consumer goods. 

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Technical Contact: Shane Collins, Directed Manufacturing, Pflugerville, Texas, Phone: 512-990-9100; scollins@directedmfg.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Pat Picariello, Phone: 610-832-9720; ppicarie@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org   

Release #9178