In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) has matured into a viable industrial manufacturing process. As the technology continues to grow, the development of standardized qualifications and certifications becomes crucial to foster its widespread adoption. The ASTM Committee F42 and ISO TC 261 have been diligently working on creating additive manufacturing standards that cover various aspects of the technology. The Additive Manufacturing Quality (AMQ) Certification Program is one such initiative that aims to help AM service bureaus and contract manufacturers consistently produce high-quality AM parts while maintaining process, personnel, materials, and facility standards. In this blog post, we will discuss the program’s objectives, benefits, and key aspects, as well as the certification process.
Understanding the AMQ Certification Program:
The AMQ Certification Program is designed to supplement existing industry-specific Quality Management System (QMS) standards with additive manufacturing-specific requirements. Developed based on published ISO/ASTM AM standards and with input from industry stakeholders, the program establishes a standardized level of quality in the AM supply chain. It focuses on the following aspects:
- Program Scope: The AMQ certification scheme is built upon ISO/ASTM 52901:2017 and ISO/ASTM 52904:2019 standards, which cover general principles and performance characteristics for purchased AM parts and metal powder bed fusion processes, respectively.
- Quality Audits: The certification process involves a pre-audit to assess an organization’s readiness and a final certification audit to determine compliance with the standards. Successful completion of the audit leads to the awarding of the AMQ Certification mark, which is valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits performed by ASTM to ensure continued compliance.
Benefits of AMQ Certification:
The AMQ Certification offers numerous benefits for both additive manufacturers and their customers, including:
- Endorsement of quality: The certification serves as a testament to an organization’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement, demonstrating compliance with globally recognized industry-relevant additive manufacturing standards.
- Reduced time, effort, and cost: A certified AM facility against recognized standards can help minimize extended inspections and audits, thereby saving significant resources.
- Increased trust and reputation: Achieving certification can boost an organization’s reputation, profitability, and trust within the industry.
- Enhanced customer confidence: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can award contracts with greater confidence, knowing that the organization’s systems have been audited and approved by ASTM.
To date, four major additive manufacturers have been certified under the AMQ program, including Sintavia, Morf3D, MIMO TECHNIK, and ST Engineering Land Systems. These organizations showcase their dedication to quality and excellence in the additive manufacturing industry.
The Additive Manufacturing Quality (AMQ) Certification Program is a significant step towards establishing a standardized level of quality in the AM supply chain. By following globally recognized industry-relevant standards and undergoing rigorous audits, certified organizations can demonstrate their commitment to producing high-quality AM parts and processes. As the additive manufacturing industry continues to evolve, the AMQ Certification Program plays a vital role in fostering trust, reputation, and growth.
Via: amcoe.org