ISO 14649-17:2020

Overview

ISO 14649-17:2020 - "Industrial automation systems and integration - Physical device control - Data model for computerized numerical controllers - Part 17: Process data for additive manufacturing" defines a standardized process data model for additive manufacturing (AM) at the micro process‑plan level. It describes what to make (exact geometry, materials, gradients, heterogeneous regions, colours) and the high‑level manufacturing intent without prescribing particular machines, processes or technologies. The schema is provided in EXPRESS (see Annex A) and is intended to enable portable, feature‑based exchange between CAD/CAM tools and CNC/controllers for AM.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose
  • Defines process data for additive manufacturing at the micro process plan level, focusing on results rather than technology‑specific commands.
• Data model structure
  • EXPRESS schema (additive_manufacturing_schema) and header/references linking to ISO 10303 geometry and measure schemas.
• Core entities
  • AM workpiece - volumetric element(s) to be built, including possible base parts and hierarchical inheritance.
  • AM workingstep - subtype of workingstep to represent atomic additive build transformations.
  • AM features - feature concepts including compound, simple, gradient, heterogeneous features and heterogeneous atoms.
  • Additional entities for machine functions, operations (1D/2D), constructions, solids, infill and patterns.
• Units and measures
  • Uses ISO 10303‑41 unit types; default length unit is millimetres when unspecified.
• Explicit vs derived data
  • Differentiates explicit data (e.g., declared support structures) from data derived at machine/process selection time (e.g., machine‑specific supports).
• Interoperability focus
  • Emphasizes object‑ and feature‑oriented representation to improve portability and reduce post‑processing or vendor‑specific extensions.

Applications and who uses it

• Who benefits
  • CAM/CAD developers, CNC/controller manufacturers, AM machine builders, process engineers, systems integrators, quality and standards teams.
• Practical uses
  • Defining portable AM process plans for 3D printing and hybrid manufacturing.
  • Enabling CAM-to-controller data exchange for multi‑material, graded or heterogeneous builds.
  • Supporting automated generation or derivation of supports, infill, and machine functions when selecting specific equipment.
  • Integrating AM into digital workflows (digital thread, MES, Industry 4.0) and enabling multi‑directional data exchange across the enterprise.

Related standards

• ISO 14649‑1:2003 (Overview and principles)
• ISO 14649‑10:2004 (General process data)
• ISO 14649‑11:2004 (Process data for milling)
• ISO 10303‑242 (Managed model‑based 3D engineering)
• ISO/ASTM 52900 (Additive manufacturing - Terminology)

Keywords: ISO 14649-17:2020, additive manufacturing data model, AM process data, AM workingstep, AM workpiece, CNC interoperability, EXPRESS schema, feature-based AM process planning.