Standardization News

A proposed new ASTM International standard will serve as a guide to determine specific mechanical properties of materials made with an additive manufacturing process. WK43112, Guide for Evaluating Mechanical Properties of Materials Made via Additive Manufacturing Processes, is being developed by Subcommittee F42.01 on Test Methods, part of ASTM International Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies.

According to John A. Slotwinski, Ph.D., a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, there are currently no additive manufacturing-specific ASTM standards that provide measurement methods for the mechanical properties of additive manufactured parts. Once it has been approved, WK43112 will reference existing standards that will be useful to those who need to measure the mechanical properties of AM parts.

"The proposed work item aligns well with the strategic standards framework that F42 is developing," says Slotwinksi, chairman of Subcommittee F42.01. "It is a general, high level standard, and other more specific standards for testing mechanical properties of additive manufactured parts will follow."

Slotwinski notes that the task group working on WK43112 welcomes participation. "Input from experts on materials testing would be especially useful," says Slotwinski. "Ideally, we would like people who have experience in both additive manufacturing and materials property testing." In addition to WK43112, F42.01 is currently developing two other proposed standards:

CONTACT Technical Information: John A. Slotwinski, Ph.D, National Institute of Standards and Technology • Gaithersburg, Md. • Phone: 301-975-2171 | ASTM Staff: Pat Picariello • Phone: 610-832-9720 | Upcoming Meeting: Jan. 27-28, 2014 • ASTM International Headquarters • West Conshohocken, Pa.