Standardization in Additive Manufacturing: New Framework for Quality and Certification
The additive manufacturing industry is experiencing a crucial advancement toward standardization with the publication of a technical document prepared by Amsight and Qualified AM, which defines a comprehensive system for quality management and certification processes in industrial 3D printing. This initiative responds to the growing demand for standardized protocols that ensure the repeatability and reliability of components manufactured using additive technologies, particularly in sectors with strict regulatory requirements such as aeronautics, medical, and automotive. 🚀
Validated Methodologies for Quality Excellence
The whitepaper presents comprehensive methodologies for quality control that cover all phases of the additive manufacturing process, including digital design, file preparation, post-production, and final verification. It establishes specific procedures for equipment calibration, material validation, and dimensional verification, creating a common language among designers, engineers, and quality specialists.
Main Contributions of the Framework:- Calibration protocols for industrial 3D printing equipment
- Validation systems for metallic materials and advanced polymers
- Standardized methods for dimensional and structural verification
"The implementation of these standards represents a qualitative leap toward additive manufacturing as a reliable production technology for critical applications" - Industry Experts
Acceleration of Regulatory Certifications
The adoption of these unified standards enables companies to optimize their certification processes with international bodies, demonstrating compliance with technical requirements through standardized documentation. The document focuses especially on the challenges of process qualification for high-performance materials, offering adaptable frameworks according to the criticality of the final application.
Benefits in Industrial Certification:- Significant reduction in regulatory certification times
- Internationally accepted standardized documentation
- Adaptable frameworks according to application criticality level
Impact on High-Responsibility Applications
Although some might consider the implementation of numerous protocols excessive, the reality shows that these rigorous standards are absolutely essential when manufacturing components that must withstand extreme conditions in aviation engines or maintain functionality in medical devices that sustain human life. This standardization marks a milestone toward additive manufacturing as a reliable and certifiable serial production technology. 💡