The certification is reportedly a development of an existing joint ISO/ASTM standard for qualifying machine operators of laser metal PBF machines and equipment (ISO/ASTM 52942:2020).
It consists of theoretical and practical assessments and ensures competencies in the following:
- Additive manufacturing procedure specification (APS)
- Standard operating procedures
- Machine management and build process monitoring
- Post-processing optimization
- Operator maintenance of systems
- Powder material family specializations.
Assessments specific to machine models are required for certifying operators of a particular metal platform, ASTM said.
"Certification programs reinforce the use of standards and build trust and confidence in the use of AM technologies," said Mohsen Seifi, ASTM International’s director of global additive manufacturing programs. "This program is one of the first steps to fulfilling industry personnel certification needs and we look forward to quickly expanding to other machine vendor platforms. Together with key industry stakeholders, we can support reliable and competent use of the technology."
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