Overview - ISO/ASTM 52935:2023 (Additive manufacturing of metals)
ISO/ASTM 52935:2023 specifies qualification principles for AM coordination personnel in industrial sites that produce metal parts. It applies to metallic additive manufacturing processes covered by ISO 17296-2 and provides requirements and guidance for appointing, assessing and documenting personnel who coordinate AM production. The standard targets general-industrial applications; additional industry- or regulation‑specific requirements (e.g. aerospace, medical) are typically needed.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Qualification requirements for coordination personnel for all metallic AM processes described in ISO 17296-2; intended for general-industrial contexts.
- Tasks and responsibilities: Employers must define and document AM coordinator tasks and extent of authorization. Tasks can be allocated to one or several persons; delegations must be recorded.
- Competence and technical knowledge: Competence must be demonstrated by education, training and/or experience, and include relevant AM standards and procedures. Competence is documented on a qualification test certificate (see Annex A).
- Competence levels: Three levels are defined:
- Level 1 - Basic: Supervision of basic work, application of established procedures within strict boundaries.
- Level 2 - Standard: Apply and adapt procedures, select and supervise personnel (includes Level 1 skills).
- Level 3 - Advanced: Develop/specify procedures, coordinate the full manufacturing chain and supervise other coordinators (includes Levels 1–2 skills).
- Assessment and certification: Examinations are conducted by personnel with equal or higher competence. The assessment method and acceptance criteria must be recorded. Passing candidates receive the qualification test certificate; failing candidates receive no certificate.
- Validity and re‑qualification: Qualification remains valid while knowledge is maintained. If not otherwise specified, a maximum validity of 5 years from the last review applies. Re‑qualification and revocation processes are addressed.
- Normative references: Links to ISO/ASTM 52900, 52920 and ISO/ASTM/TS 52930 for related AM fundamentals, site quality requirements and PBF‑LB IQ/OQ/PQ.
Applications - who uses this standard
- AM manufacturers and production managers appointing AM coordinators
- Quality, compliance and HR teams for training and certification programs
- OEMs, integrators and subcontractors clarifying contractual responsibilities
- Auditors and regulators assessing personnel qualification for industrial metal AM
- Training providers developing AM coordinator curricula
Related standards
- ISO/ASTM 52900 - AM fundamentals and vocabulary
- ISO/ASTM 52920 - Quality requirements for industrial AM sites
- ISO/ASTM/TS 52930 - IQ/OQ/PQ of PBF‑LB equipment
Keywords: ISO/ASTM 52935:2023, additive manufacturing, AM coordination personnel, qualification, metals, ISO 17296-2, qualification test certificate, competence levels.