An ASTM international standard for guidelines on evaluating mechanical properties for additively manufactured materials is under development. The standard, “WK49229, Guide for Anisotropy Effects in Mechanical Properties of AM Parts”, covers fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth, specifically within the realm of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.

Many mechanical testing standards are applicable to parts made by additive manufacturing, according to ASTM member Mohsen Seifi, a doctoral researcher at Case Western Reserve University. However, these standards do not provide enough guidance tailored to the emerging technology. The focus of the proposed standard will be on guiding users to adopt or apply current available standards but with considerations unique to additive manufacturing.

Vendors and manufacturers will use the standard to partially qualify parts and components to meet certain load bearing capability, damage tolerance, fracture and fatigue properties. Industries that use such parts will be able to use the standard for certification and qualification purposes. Regulatory bodies and testing labs also may benefit from the standard.

In addition to WK49229, ASTM International Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies is working on other standards that will be used to fully qualify additive manufacturing parts.