ASTM F3626-23 PDF

Overview

ASTM F3626-23: Standard Guide for Additive Manufacturing - Test Artifacts - Accelerated Build Quality Assurance for Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) provides essential guidance for the rapid evaluation of build quality within laser beam powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) additive manufacturing processes. This standard is developed by ASTM to help manufacturers confirm that their additive manufacturing (AM) systems remain within acceptable parameters during routine production, using torque and angle-of-twist data as early indicators of build health.

This guide is particularly valuable for production environments utilizing previously qualified AM processes, where continuous or periodic monitoring is required to quickly detect deviations or potential failures caused by system errors such as laser wear, calibration issues, or disrupted inert gas flow.

Key Topics

• Preliminary Build Quality Assurance The standard outlines protocols for using torsion testing of strategically placed specimens - known as witness coupons - within the build volume. These coupons are evaluated in their as-built state by measuring:

  • The maximum torque at break
  • Angle-of-twist at fracture (if applicable)
  • Fracture plane angle

• Testing Protocol The documented procedure emphasizes:

  • Test specimen geometry designed to detect major process errors
  • Placement of specimens at critical locations and build heights relevant to final parts
  • Use of calibrated torsion devices (manual or automated)
  • Maintaining statistical reliability, generally by testing a sufficient number of specimens in nominal conditions for process control

• Acceptance Criteria & Process Control Test results serve as go/no-go acceptance criteria:

  • If torque or angle-of-twist data fall outside defined ranges (e.g., ±3 standard deviations from mean), production is interrupted for further investigation and qualification
  • This protocol is not a replacement for full process qualification, but an initial safeguard to increase confidence in process integrity

• Reporting Requirements The standard guides users to document:

  • Material and build identification
  • Specimen dimensions and orientation within the build
  • Test outcomes including torque, angle-of-twist, fracture mode, and equipment parameters

Applications

ASTM F3626-23 is intended for use by:

• Industrial AM Production Facilities To monitor ongoing build quality and immediately flag disruptions before final part completion, reducing costly scrap and post-processing.

• Aerospace and Medical Device Manufacturers Where process reliability and traceability are critical, this standard supports compliance and enhances confidence in delivered part integrity.

• Quality Assurance and Process Engineers Who require a compact, actionable method for quickly screening builds, enabling prompt corrective actions if issues are detected.

• Machine Vendors and Service Bureaus As an accelerated feedback tool for machine health monitoring, especially when running multiple build cycles with previously qualified parameters.

Related Standards

• ISO/ASTM 52900: Additive Manufacturing - General Principles - Fundamentals and Vocabulary Defines key terms and concepts across additive manufacturing, supporting consistency in terminology.

• ASTM E143: Test Method for Shear Modulus at Room Temperature Provides recommendations relevant to torsion testing protocols.

• ASTM E1012: Practice for Verification of Testing Frame and Specimen Alignment Offers guidance for alignment procedures during mechanical testing, enhancing measurement reliability.

Implementing ASTM F3626-23 accelerates build quality assurance practices for powder bed fusion, improving process control and reducing risk in additive manufacturing operations. By adopting this standard, manufacturers benefit from an early-warning system that helps maintain high quality and process consistency across every production run.