The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and ASTM International jointly developed the Additive Manufacturing Standards Development Structure, a framework that will help meet the needs for new technical standards in this fast-growing field. The new structure will help: guide the work of global experts and standards development organizations involved in AM standardization; identify standards-related gaps and needs in the AM industry; prevent overlap and duplicative efforts in AM standards development; ensure cohesion among AM standards; prioritize AM standards areas; and improve usability and acceptance among the AM community.

Based on the Additive Manufacturing Standards Development Structure, standards can be developed at three levels:

• General standards (e.gs., concepts, common requirements, guides, safety)
• Standards for broad categories of materials (e.g., metal powders) or processes (e.g., powder-bed fusion)
• Specialized standards for a specific material (e.g., aluminum alloy powders), process (e.g., material extrusion with ABS) or application (e.g., aerospace, medical, automotive)

In related news, ASTM International hired Mohsen Seifi, Ph.D., a post-doctoral research associate at Case Western Reserve University, to serve as director of additive manufacturing programs. Seifi is a globally recognized expert in process-structure-property relationships for metal AM.  In this position, he will track key AM trends, drivers and innovations while building relationships with ASTM members, external networks and professional organizations.