Overview
ISO/ASTM 52926-5:2023 provides a structured outline for the qualification of operators performing directed energy deposition - arc with metals (DED-Arc/M) in industrial additive manufacturing (AM) environments. The standard identifies capabilities, responsibilities and assessment criteria for personnel who operate DED-Arc systems, and is intended to support consistent, reproducible production of metallic parts across regulated and general industrial applications.
Practical value: this standard helps employers, AM coordinators and quality teams define and verify operator competence, reduce process variability, and support compliance with facility controls and manufacturing plans.
Key Topics
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Operator qualification framework: Specifies that assessments should follow documented procedures or manufacturing plans and that candidates receive both theoretical and practical training (an example of 24 h training is noted).
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Theoretical assessment: A recommended test format includes at least 20 multiple-choice questions (four options each) covering DED-Arc topics; a minimum pass score of 60% is prescribed as a baseline.
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Practical assessment: Demonstration of hands-on skills to perform process steps for a specific machine and manufacturing plan, including setup, build execution and post-build tasks.
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Process-specific knowledge areas (derived from clauses 4.2.2–4.2.7):
- Recognition of DED-Arc system components, process advantages/limitations and interaction of heat source with feedstock
- Feedstock handling, identification, storage, cleanliness and lifecycle considerations for wire or other feedstocks
- System setup: build platform preparation, file loading and machine preparation
- Manufacturing/build activities: parameter verification (voltage, current, feed speed, travel speed, CTWD), process observation, in-build corrections and basic preventive maintenance
- Post-processing: part separation, cleaning, data recording and machine-specific maintenance
- Quality activities: visual inspection, reporting of visible imperfections, generation of test reports and execution of IQ/OQ/PQ steps
Applications
This document is applicable to organizations using DED-Arc for metallic part production across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, rail and medical device manufacturing. It is particularly useful for:
- Establishing operator training and qualification programs
- Defining assessment checklists tied to manufacturing plans
- Integrating operator qualification into site quality management and EHS procedures
Related Standards
- ISO/ASTM 52926-1 - General qualification of AM operators (assessment principles)
- ISO/ASTM 52900 - AM fundamentals and vocabulary
- ISO/ASTM 52920 - Guidance on post-processing activities
- ISO/ASTM 52931:2020 - Environmental health and safety for metallic materials
Using ISO/ASTM 52926-5:2023 as a basis, organizations can create repeatable operator qualification processes that align skills assessment with machine-specific and product-specific quality requirements, reducing variability and improving part integrity in DED-Arc metal additive manufacturing.