Overview
EN ISO/ASTM 52926-5:2023 - Additive manufacturing of metals - Qualification principles - Part 5: Qualification of operators for DED-Arc (ISO/ASTM 52926-5:2023) defines the capabilities, responsibilities and assessment criteria for personnel operating directed energy deposition - arc with metals (DED-Arc/M) systems. Published under CEN and prepared in cooperation with ISO/ASTM committees, this standard provides an outline for qualifying AM machine operators in general industrial applications, helping ensure consistent, reproducible component quality.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and intent: Establishes criteria for theoretical and practical assessment of DED-Arc/M operators and describes activities and procedures operators are expected to perform.
- Training baseline: Recommends that candidates receive theoretical and practical training (an example of 24 hours) or demonstrate equivalent experience before assessment.
- Theoretical assessment: Minimum of 20 multiple‑choice questions (four options each); minimum pass score 60%. Questions draw from the technical topics listed below.
- Practical assessment: Operator must demonstrate hands‑on competence to execute process steps in accordance with a documented manufacturing plan for the specific machine/process.
- Assessment topic areas:
- DED‑Arc/M system knowledge - components, functions, process characteristics, advantages and limitations.
- Feedstock activities - types of feedstock, interaction with heat source, consumables.
- System set‑up - machine configuration, platform and chamber considerations.
- Manufacturing/build activities - process parameter influence (e.g., deformation) and build execution.
- Post‑processing - expected finishing and handling steps.
- Quality‑related activities - inspection, documentation and process control responsibilities.
Practical applications and users
Who uses EN ISO/ASTM 52926-5:2023:
- AM operators seeking formal qualification for DED‑Arc/M equipment.
- Employers and production managers implementing operator assessment and competency programs.
- Training providers and vocational educators designing DED‑Arc curricula.
- Quality, regulatory and compliance teams in regulated industries (automotive, aerospace, medical, railway, industrial plants) that require traceable operator qualification.
Practical benefits include improved process reproducibility, reduced scrap/rework, clearer operator responsibilities, and support for meeting industry‑specific quality and safety demands.
Related standards
- ISO/ASTM 52900 - Additive manufacturing - General principles - Fundamentals and vocabulary.
- ISO/ASTM 52926-1 - Additive manufacturing of metals - Qualification principles - Part 1: General qualification of operators.
- The document forms part of the ISO/ASTM 52926 series used as a framework for operator qualification across metal AM processes.
Keywords: EN ISO/ASTM 52926-5:2023, DED‑Arc, additive manufacturing of metals, operator qualification, AM operators, directed energy deposition arc, DED‑Arc/M.