Overview
EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 establishes standardized methods for the development and use of data packages in additive manufacturing (AM). The standard is designed to address the data and information requirements throughout the entire workflow for fabricating an AM part – from initial design through to final acceptance. Developed by CEN in collaboration with ISO and ASTM, this international standard provides industry-recognized best practices for organizing, managing, and communicating essential information among all stakeholders involved in the AM part production process.
The standard primarily focuses on the powder bed fusion - laser based/metal (PBF-LB/M) process but is structured so its generalized workflow principles can be applied to other AM technologies. While the document touches on information about organizations, facilities, operators, and security, its core aim is defining data package requirements for parts themselves, serving both organizational and application-specific needs.
Key Topics
- Data Package Development: Specifies the method for creating custom data packages tailored for different organizational or application scenarios. This includes guidance on identifying requirements, using modular information sets, and setting appropriate levels of data control and specificity.
- Workflow Information Requirements: Covers key data required at every stage in the AM process workflow, such as design, pre-process (machine independent and dependent), the build process, post-process, inspection, and part acceptance.
- Configuration Management: Outlines requirements for establishing configuration management practices. This ensures consistent and traceable data across design modifications, format changes, and the digital product lifecycle.
- Levels of Control: Introduces a three-tier model (low, medium, high) for data requirements control, enabling organizations to match process rigor to part criticality and performer capabilities.
- Digital Thread and Digital Twin: Describes the concept of the digital thread connecting all information across the lifecycle, supporting traceability and confidence in part quality through the digital twin representation.
Applications
EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 is relevant to a wide range of AM industry stakeholders:
- Manufacturers and Service Providers: Standardized data packages promote effective communication between design, production, and quality assurance teams, facilitating efficient in-house manufacture or external part acquisition.
- Designers and Engineers: Data package frameworks help capture, manage, and communicate design intent, process parameters, and material data, reducing specification ambiguity and supporting robust product development.
- Procurement and Acceptance Authorities: Clearly structured data ensures that AM parts meet contractual and regulatory requirements, helps streamline supplier qualification, and supports part traceability for safety-critical applications.
- Quality Assurance and Inspection: Documentation of production and inspection data within the digital thread ensures traceability, facilitates nonconformance resolution, and provides evidence for audits and certification.
- Sectors Applying Additive Manufacturing: This includes aerospace, medical devices, automotive, energy, and defense, where maintaining digital provenance and comprehensive configuration management is essential for compliance and reliability.
Related Standards
For comprehensive adoption of best practices in additive manufacturing data management, the following standards are highly relevant:
- ISO/ASTM 52900: Additive manufacturing – General principles – Fundamentals and vocabulary. (Defines terminology and basic concepts referenced throughout EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026.)
- ASTM F3490: Additive manufacturing – General principles – Standard specification for test artifacts for additive manufacturing machines and processes.
- ISO 9001: Quality management systems – Requirements (supports broader quality assurance integration).
- Other EN ISO/ASTM Standards: Covering topics such as feedstock specification, process controls, and finished part validation for a variety of AM processes and materials.
EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 enables organizations to leverage modular, robust, and configurable data management methods for additive manufacturing, ensuring traceability, process control, and quality across the AM part lifecycle. By adopting this standard for AM parts data packages, stakeholders can improve communication, compliance, and trust in AM production workflows.