A significant milestone has been reached in the world of 3D printing technology, as AddUp becomes the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to earn the coveted ASTM Additive Manufacturing Safety (AMS) Certification. This groundbreaking achievement places AddUp at the forefront of the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, showcasing their unwavering commitment to establishing and maintaining robust safety standards within this rapidly evolving sector.
AddUp’s groundbreaking achievement was made possible through a collaborative effort with ASTM International’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). As part of this partnership, AddUp played a pivotal role in defining comprehensive safety protocols essential for the operation of AM facilities. This dedication to safety has now set a clear and rigorous framework for other manufacturers entering the 3D printing arena, emphasizing the importance of putting safety first as the industry continues to grow at an accelerated pace.
Setting a New Industry Standard
Defining Comprehensive Safety Protocols
When envisioning the establishment of their own AM facility, AddUp recognized a glaring gap in the industry—there were no clear standards or guidelines to follow. To address this, Austin Kron, Director of Operations & Field Service at AddUp, expressed the company’s proactive stance, stating, “We are incredibly excited to be part of this initiative with ASTM. When we set up our own AM facility, we realized there were no clear standards for the industry. We wanted to help create a roadmap for others, showing how to do it safely and effectively. We take pride in being the gold standard for AM safety.” This initiative was not merely about meeting existing standards but about defining the very benchmarks that would drive the industry’s future.
The certification process itself was rigorous and thorough, involving an exhaustive audit by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) of AddUp’s facility. Key areas scrutinized included personal protective equipment (PPE), machine installation and grounding, powder handling, hazardous waste disposal, and overall facility cleanliness. The SEI’s evaluation marked a historical first in the world of additive manufacturing, with AddUp volunteering to be the inaugural company subjected to this intensive audit. During the process, AddUp worked closely with SEI auditors, meticulously meeting and understanding each requisite criterion, underscoring their role as industry pioneers.
Leadership Acknowledged by ASTM International
Paul Bates, Senior Lead for Training and Certification Programs at ASTM International AM CoE, was quick to recognize AddUp’s outstanding commitment to safety. He commented, “AddUp’s commitment to safety has been exemplary. Their involvement in helping us define the guidelines for this certification and their willingness to open their doors for the first-ever AMS audit speaks volumes about their leadership in the AM industry. AddUp has set a new standard for AM safety, and we are grateful for their dedication.” This acknowledgment from a leading authority further cemented AddUp’s role as a trailblazer in the AM sector.
The voluntary and transparent approach adopted by AddUp during the certification process has inspired other companies in the industry to follow suit, laying the groundwork for a safer and more standardized future in additive manufacturing. The collaborative efforts between AddUp and ASTM International are now serving as a blueprint for other OEMs, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety measures as a cornerstone of sustainable industry growth. This pioneering spirit of leadership and innovation continues to propel AddUp forward, establishing them as a driving force in setting the industry’s highest safety standards.
Impact on Industry-Wide Standards
The Role of the Additive Manufacturing Certification Committee
Earlier this year, ASTM’s AM CoE launched the Additive Manufacturing Certification Committee (AMCC), a forward-thinking initiative now comprising 23 members from various leading companies, including Ford, Johnson & Johnson, and Lockheed Martin. The AMCC’s primary objective is to develop and implement standardized audit criteria to evaluate AM supply chain reliability, addressing cross-industry requirements and ensuring consistency and quality across sectors such as aerospace, defense, medical, and transportation.
The committee’s efforts have already begun to enhance the understanding of the complexities and nuances of additive manufacturing among industry players. Melissa Orme, vice president of additive manufacturing at The Boeing Company, underscored the significance of the AMCC’s mission, particularly in light of the rapid expansion within the AM industry. Their work extends beyond creating standards, aiming to foster a cohesive and efficient ecosystem where quality and safety are paramount across different applications, from intricate medical devices to robust aerospace components.
Cross-Industry Implications
A parallel success story that underscores the importance of stringent standards in additive manufacturing comes from A3D, a manufacturing service company specializing in 3D printed aerospace components. In 2024, A3D earned the AS9100 certification from the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQC), a prestigious benchmark confirming that their 3D printed parts meet the rigorous quality and safety standards required by the cutting-edge aerospace sector. Jon Toews, Senior Vice President of A3D Manufacturing, highlighted the certification’s significance, noting that it assures customers of the high precision and reliability of their components, factors that are critical for aerospace applications.
This alignment of safety and quality standards across different segments of the AM industry—exemplified by the milestones achieved by both AddUp and A3D—ensures a unified approach to maintaining high levels of excellence. As additive manufacturing continues to evolve, these benchmarks provide a solid foundation upon which future innovations can be built, ensuring that safety and quality remain integral elements of the industry’s progress. The collaborative initiatives and certifications serve not just as accolades but as enduring commitments to industry excellence.
A Legacy of Safety and Excellence
When planning their AM facility, AddUp noticed a significant void in industry standards. Austin Kron, Director of Operations & Field Service at AddUp, highlighted this by saying, “We’re thrilled to contribute to this initiative with ASTM. As we set up our AM facility, we saw the lack of clear industry standards. We aimed to create a roadmap to guide others on how to do it safely and effectively, taking pride in being the gold standard for AM safety.” Their effort wasn’t just about adhering to existing norms but setting new benchmarks for the industry’s future.
The certification journey was stringent and comprehensive, involving a detailed audit by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) of AddUp’s facility. Critical focus areas included personal protective equipment (PPE), machine installation and grounding, powder handling, hazardous waste disposal, and overall facility cleanliness. This assessment was a historic first in additive manufacturing, with AddUp volunteering to be the first company to undergo such an intensive audit. Throughout this process, AddUp collaborated closely with SEI auditors, diligently meeting and understanding each criterion, underscoring their pioneering role in the industry.
