Overview
SIST-TP CEN ISO/ASTM/TR 52917:2023 provides general guidelines for planning, executing, and managing round robin studies (RRS) in additive manufacturing (AM). Its focus is to help organizations conduct systematic studies to investigate variability in AM parts and processes, supporting the further maturation and standardization of AM technologies. This technical report, developed by ISO/TC 261 and CEN/TC 438, outlines best practices for organizing, documenting, and reporting RRS aimed at understanding and controlling process-induced differences across AM products and systems.
The document is applicable to all stakeholders in the additive manufacturing field, including researchers, manufacturers, and quality assurance professionals who seek to enhance repeatability and reproducibility of AM processes.
Key Topics
- Round Robin Study Management: Guidance on forming an RRS task force, defining study objectives, and appointing an RRS manager.
- Scope Development: Steps to determine the scope of the RRS, including identifying key parameters such as feedstock, machine operations, process controls, and post-processing requirements.
- Manufacturing Plan: Instructions for documenting part description, machine and software setup, facility and hardware needs, feedstock sourcing and handling, and in-process monitoring.
- Process Control Documentation: Developing clear records of process variables, deviations, build interruptions, and all actions taken by participants.
- Measurement and Testing Plans: Recommendations for selecting suitable test methods and ensuring accurate data collection, measurement uncertainty assessment, and reporting.
- Participant Involvement: Strategies to solicit, qualify, and manage multiple participants, ensuring competence, proficiency, and effective communication.
- Pilot and Full-Scale Runs: Procedures for conducting both initial pilot runs and large-scale executions to validate and refine processes before the main study.
- Data Handling and Record Keeping: Best practices for managing, storing, and anonymising data, as well as preparing comprehensive study reports.
Applications
The guidance in SIST-TP CEN ISO/ASTM/TR 52917:2023 delivers practical value in several key areas of additive manufacturing:
- Process Validation: Organizations can use RRS to identify and reduce variability sources in AM processes and parts, leading to improved process consistency.
- Material and Process Maturation: RRS outcomes provide critical data to populate materials databases, establish design allowables, and support qualification efforts for AM materials and technologies.
- Quality Assurance: By understanding process-induced variations, manufacturers can enhance their quality management systems and ensure that products meet industry standards.
- Collaborative Research: The standard supports cooperation between multiple entities, be they companies, research institutes, or laboratories, fostering shared learning and benchmarking.
- Test Method Assessment: Guidance on selecting and using relevant test methods ensures that evaluations of AM materials and parts are robust and comparable, even when undertaken by multiple participants.
Related Standards
- ISO/ASTM 52900: Additive manufacturing - General principles - Fundamentals and vocabulary. Provides foundational terms and definitions relevant for understanding AM processes covered in RRS.
- ISO/ASTM 52927: Additive manufacturing - General principles - Main characteristics and corresponding test methods. Supports selection of appropriate testing approaches for materials and processes.
- ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Offers a basis for ensuring measurement reliability and laboratory competence within RRS.
- Other relevant CEN and ASTM additive manufacturing standards addressing materials, processes, and quality assurance in AM.
By following SIST-TP CEN ISO/ASTM/TR 52917:2023, organizations can ensure thorough, credible, and reproducible round robin testing in additive manufacturing, supporting technological advancement and greater confidence in AM part production.