Additive Manufacturing and Powder Metallurgy

ASTM’s Proficiency Testing Program for Additive Manufacturing and Powder Metallurgy provides laboratories with a statistical quality assurance (SQA) tool, enabling them to compare, improve, and maintain, a high level of performance in the use of ASTM methods with other laboratories worldwide. The powder metallurgy testing and characterization program is intended to measure powder metallurgy properties related to their physical properties using ASTM International Standards. Powder Metallurgy testing laboratories and interested R&D facilities will be provided powders from manufacturers of metal powders to measure and analyze apparent density, flow rate, particle size and other properties. Additional test methods will be added to the program over the next year in order to capture other metal powder properties. The goal of this proficiency program is to support powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing and other relevant industries by improving measuring techniques.

Conducted two times annually, this program provides a different commercial sample for each test cycle. Laboratories perform tests that are routinely conducted within your facility using the specified ASTM methods cited in the program.

Samples, test instructions and data report forms are distributed electronically to each laboratory contact on the date samples are distributed. Laboratories have approximately 8 weeks to submit test data with the final statistical summary reports being electronically distributed in approximately 25 business days.

For more information, contact us.

ASTM's Proficiency Test Program provides you with:

• a statistical quality assurance tool to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of lab performance in conducting testing,
• satisfying proficiency testing elements of lab accreditation
• Residual sample material useful as a quality assurance sample
• Allows for internal test method comparison
• periodic comparison of test results with other participating labs.

Should you have an issue with your published results, please write to ptp@astm.org with your lab number and account number.

One kilogram of metal powder will be used in the program for each test cycle.

Powders to be used in 2024 are:

AMPM2304 - 2404 and Titanium
AMPM2310 - 2410 and Nickel 

NOTE: ASTM International reserves the right to revise this list of parameters without notice.

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by Carpenter Additives located in Tanner, AL. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping the test samples to U.S. participants or, for international participants, to a third-party shipping agent located in the U.S.

IMPORTANT for International participants: You have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third party shipping agent - Provide ASTM International with the complete contact information of a designated Shipping Agent located in the U.S. who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. Participants are responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements directly with the shipping agent.
• Please be advised that when samples are shipped, an e-mail is sent only to the contact of record on your ASTM PTP account. It is the customer’s responsibility to advise their designated shipper that the sample has been shipped.
• We cannot permit shipping agents to pick up samples at our distributors’ warehouses.
• Samples ship directly from the sample distributor via UPS or FEDEX - Provide ASTM International with your shipping account number to cover shipping charges. Check that your carrier will deliver the test materials to your location. Materials classified as Hazardous may have restrictions.
• You are responsible for additional fees charged-back to our distributor for any reason relative to your sample shipment including, but not limited to, fees for fuel surcharges, missing/invalid account numbers, dangerous goods, remote area delivery, and multiple delivery attempts.

Participation is on an annual fee basis and is open to all laboratories. Registration fees must be paid in advance to participate. Testing must be performed within the participant's laboratory facilities. A laboratory does not need to perform all the program tests to participate.

Committee B09 on Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products was formed in 1944. The Committee, with a membership of approximately 75 members, currently has jurisdiction of over 60 approved standards that are published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 2.05. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee B09 to determine if modifications to ASTM International methods or new methods are warranted and to analytically review program test results. (All data and related information generated from the program is coded to maintain lab confidentiality.)

ABOUT ASTM INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE F42 ON ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES

ASTM Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies was formed in 2009. The Committee, with a current membership of approximately 400, has 6 technical subcommittees; all standards developed by F42 are published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 10.04. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee F42 to determine if modifications to ASTM International methods or new methods are warranted and to analytically review program test results. (All data and related information generated from the program is coded to maintain lab confidentiality.)