Overview
EN ISO/ASTM 52926-1:2023 establishes internationally recognized principles for the qualification of operators in the field of additive manufacturing (AM) of metals. Developed by CEN in coordination with ISO and ASTM, this standard specifies the essential activities, responsibilities, and competencies required for operators who handle additive manufacturing equipment for metallic parts production. It is designed to support general industrial use across a variety of sectors, ensuring operators possess the necessary skills for safe, consistent, and quality-focused operation of AM processes involving metals.
The standard applies broadly to industrial applications, but industry-specific qualification requirements, such as those for aerospace (e.g., ISO/ASTM 52942), supersede this document where applicable.
Key Topics
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Scope of Operator Responsibilities:
Defines the specific tasks and obligations of additive manufacturing operators, including machine setup, process operation, equipment maintenance, and adherence to environment, health, and safety (EHS) protocols.
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Qualification Process:
Details a structured process for evaluating both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Key elements include:
- Assessment based on essential variables: AM process, feedstock/material group, and machine type.
- Both theoretical and practical examinations with defined minimum passing criteria.
- Requalification requirements in the event of changes in process, materials, or equipment.
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Certification and Validity:
Outlines the issuance of a qualification test certificate containing operator details, scope of qualification, validity period, and examiner details.
- Certificates are specific to the tested combination of AM process, machine, and material group.
- Standard validity period is up to 5 years unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer or sector requirements.
- Conditions for expiry and requalification are provided to maintain workforce competence.
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Assessment Principles:
Examines the roles and responsibilities of examiners, emphasizing objectivity and rigor in assessing operator qualifications. Includes procedures for managing unsuccessful attempts and specifies required documentation.
Applications
EN ISO/ASTM 52926-1:2023 delivers practical value to organizations utilizing additive manufacturing of metals in industrial applications such as automotive, mechanical engineering, railway, general manufacturing, and medical device production. By establishing clear criteria for qualifying AM machine operators, the standard helps:
- Ensure product quality and process repeatability through competent operation of AM technologies.
- Support regulatory and contractual compliance in regulated industries.
- Reduce production risks by proactively addressing operator competence in areas such as material handling, machine operation, and safety.
- Harmonize operator qualification requirements across countries and companies, facilitating workforce mobility and easier supplier qualification.
- Aid human resource departments and plant management in setting up robust training, qualification, and documentation processes aligned with international best practices.
Related Standards
For holistic implementation of qualification and AM process management, EN ISO/ASTM 52926-1:2023 references and aligns with several related international standards, including:
- ISO/ASTM 52900: Additive manufacturing - General principles - Fundamentals and vocabulary
- ISO/ASTM 52942: Qualification principles - Qualifying machine operators of laser metal powder bed fusion for aerospace applications (industry-specific)
- ISO/ASTM 52926 Series: Includes additional parts focused on process-specific operator qualifications (PBF-LB, PBF-EB, DED-LB, DED-Arc)
- ISO 14732: Welding personnel - Qualification testing of welding operators
- ISO/IEC 17024: Conformity assessment - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
By adhering to EN ISO/ASTM 52926-1:2023, organizations foster a qualified workforce, reduce production variability, and meet the expectations of international customers and regulators in additive manufacturing of metals.