Materials are key to further growth in 3D printing / additive manufacturing, (3DP / AM) and metal powders are thought to be the main material that will drive that growth. Presently, there are a number of existing standards on metal powder properties. ASTM International is proposing a new standard that will provide guidance for which powders are suited for additive manufacturing as well as guidance on measuring the properties of various AM powders.

The proposed new standard will be ASTM F3049, Guide for Characterizing Properties of Metal Powders Used for Additive Manufacturing Processes.

“ASTM F3049 will point readers to existing metal powder standards that may be appropriate for additive manufacturing powders,” said John A. Slotwinski, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and an ASTM member. “It will provide guidance for someone who may want to measure the properties of AM powders but doesn’t necessarily know what standard methods exist.”

In addition to ASTM F3049, there will be a companion standard covering the mechanical properties of metal parts, ASTM WK43112, Guide for Evaluating Mechanical Properties of Materials Made Via Additive Manufacturing Processes.

ASTM F3049 was developed by Subcommittee F42.05 on Materials and Processes, while ASTM WK43112 is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F42.01 on Test Methods. Both subcommittees are part of ASTM International Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies.

Leslie Langnau
llangnau@wtwhmedia.com