Overview
EN ISO/ASTM 52926-2:2023 - Additive Manufacturing of metals - Qualification principles - Part 2: Qualification of operators for PBF-LB - defines criteria for qualifying operators of powder bed fusion - laser beam (PBF-LB) metal additive manufacturing (AM) machines. Intended for general industrial applications (excluding aerospace), the standard specifies required knowledge, assessment procedures and the practical skills operators must demonstrate to ensure consistent, reproducible metal part production.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope & applicability: Qualification framework for operators of PBF-LB/M machines and equipment for metal additive manufacturing, except aerospace (see ISO/ASTM 52942 for aerospace).
- Training baseline: Candidates should receive theoretical and practical training or show equivalent experience (example guidance: ~24 hours of training).
- Assessment structure:
- Theoretical test: Minimum of 20 multiple-choice questions (4 options each), covering core topics; 60% minimum score to pass.
- Practical test: Demonstration of hands-on competence to carry out manufacturing steps per a documented manufacturing plan.
- Technical topic areas (from clauses 4.2.2–4.2.7):
- Aspects of PBF-LB/M: system components and functions, build platform and consumable characteristics, process parameters and their effect, differences between metal AM processes.
- Feedstock activities: handling, storage and characteristics of metal powders (feedstock awareness).
- System set‑up activities: machine preparation, calibration and safe operation procedures.
- Manufacturing/build activities: run/build sequence control, monitoring and basic troubleshooting.
- Post‑processing activities: part removal, heat treatment awareness and finishing steps as applicable.
- Quality‑related activities: basic inspection, process documentation and traceability responsibilities.
- Normative references: ISO/ASTM 52900 (vocabulary/fundamentals) and ISO/ASTM 52926-1 (general operator qualification principles).
Applications and Who Uses It
This standard is practical for:
- AM machine operators seeking formal qualification for PBF-LB metal processes.
- Employers / HR & training departments designing operator training, competency matrices and assessment procedures.
- Quality, production and process engineers establishing operator roles, responsibilities and traceability.
- Service providers and contract manufacturers wanting consistent operator capability across sites.
- Certification bodies and auditors performing workforce assessments or compliance checks.
Related Standards
- ISO/ASTM 52926-1 - General qualification of AM operators
- ISO/ASTM 52900 - Additive manufacturing - Fundamentals and vocabulary
- ISO/ASTM 52942 - Operator qualification for PBF-LB in aerospace applications
Keywords: EN ISO/ASTM 52926-2:2023, ISO/ASTM 52926-2, PBF-LB, powder bed fusion, metal additive manufacturing, operator qualification, AM operator training, additive manufacturing standards.