Standardization News

In advance of National Manufacturing Day on Oct. 4, ASTM International and the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines a framework of cooperation between ASTM and NAMII for the development of ASTM standards in the area of additive manufacturing.

Signed by Katharine Morgan, vice president, technical committee operations, ASTM International, and Gene Berkebile, vice president and chief financial officer, National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining, the MOU states that standards for additive manufacturing will be developed by ASTM International Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies. NAMII will participate in the ASTM process, providing technical expertise to assist in standards development as well as technical content to serve as a foundation for ASTM standards covered by the MOU.

"A strong connection between research and the standards community is critical to efficient and effective standards development, especially for emerging industry areas," says Morgan. "ASTM International is enthusiastic about the opportunities that the MOU with NAMII will offer Committee F42 as it develops standards to transition additive manufacturing technologies to the marketplace."

Organized in 2009, ASTM Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies promotes knowledge, stimulation of research and implementation of technology through the development of standards for additive manufacturing technologies.

NAMII is a public-private partnership with the goals of transitioning additive manufacturing technology to the mainstream U.S. manufacturing sector, creating an adaptive workplace capable of meeting industry needs and increasing domestic manufacturing competitiveness. NAMII is organized and managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining, which works toward creating manufacturing solutions that enhance existing and future defense systems.

"The partnership between NAMII and ASTM is critical in supporting standards development relevant to the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry," says Rob Gorham, deputy director of technology development, NAMII. "The dedication of both organizations illustrates the importance of ensuring that the investments being made in additive manufacturing and 3D printing are effectively accelerating the transition of these technologies to the manufacturing sector to increase domestic competitiveness."