Nov 29, 2023

Today, ASTM International announced the expansion of its Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam (PBF-LB) Machine Operator Certification program. The expansion includes two additional machine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), 3D Systems Corporation and Nikon SLM Solutions, and added more metal AM systems from EOS. The program was developed by the ASTM International Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). This certification provides a benchmark for assessing reliable and competent operations of metal PBF-LB machines.

Built on the joint ISO/ASTM standard for qualifying machine operators of laser metal PBF machines and equipment (ISO/ASTM 52942:2020), the certification provides a demonstration of an operator’s skill, competency, and compliance with the globally recognized standard. The operator certification is part of a larger certification initiative to assure consistency and reproducibility, and to meet specific product quality requirements, especially in regulated industries.

The ASTM certification consists of both theoretical and practical assessments to evaluate the knowledge of the PBF-LB operator. The program ensures competencies in the following:

• Additive Manufacturing Procedure Specification (APS);
• Standard operating procedures;
• Machine management and build process monitoring;
• Operator Maintenance of systems; and
• Powder material family specializations.

Assessments specific to machine models are required for certifying operators of a particular metal platform according to the standard. Three leading metal AM technology providers, 3D Systems, EOS, and Nikon SLM Solutions are now part of this program. These organizations worked closely with ASTM to create the operator assessments for their metal AM systems.

3D Systems, will introduce the program for its widely adopted DMP Flex 350 production printer and will expand to other production AM systems in the future.

EOS added EOS M 400 and EOS M 400-4 to the portfolio, along with EOS M 290 which was the first machine model introduced to this certification program.

Nikon SLM Solutions will introduce the certification program to its industrial production range AM machines, SLM 280, SLM 500, and SLM NXG XII 600.

"Structured certification programs are fundamental to the integration and acceptance of AM technologies within the industry," states Dr. Mohsen Seifi, ASTM International’s vice president of global advanced manufacturing programs. "This is a significant stride in addressing the industry's need for certified personnel and promoting a uniform standard of excellence. We anticipate further expansion to other platforms and continuous collaboration with essential industry players to ensure the AM technology is utilized reliably and proficiently."

To learn more or to register for the certification program, visit the AM CoE website.

AM CoE Contact: Ethan Myers, tel +1.610.832.9835; emyers@astm.org

Release #11747

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