ASME Develops Design Standard for Additive Manufacturing

In response to the growing use of additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing in global industries, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME; New York, NY) has developed a new geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standard that applies to parts and assemblies designed in AM environments. Titled Y14.46- 2017 Product Definition for Additive Manufacturing, the new standard is an extension of the widely used Y14.5 standard that for years has provided engineers with the fundamental language for drafting and designing products and systems. Y14.46 presents definitions of terms and features that are unique to additive manufacturing technologies and includes recommendations for uniform specifications in product definition data sets and related documents.

“Y14.46 meets the need of the fast-growing additive manufacturing and 3D printing marketplace,” said Charla K. Wise, the president of ASME. “The product definitions, specifications, and interpretations in the Y14.46 documents apply directly to parts and assemblies manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.” AM, at one time limited to rapid prototyping and non-critical service components, is now changing the landscape of manufacturing, allowing engineers to design and fabricate high-quality, fit-for-use products ranging from gas turbine blades to customized prosthetics. Engineers applying additive manufacturing in the design process report reduced material costs, greater manufacturing flexibility, and shorter lead times, among other benefits.

“As additive manufacturing proliferates, companies will need to meet safety, quality, and compliance standards,” noted Wise. “Y14.46 will be an essential tool in helping companies address those standards.” Y14.46-2017 Product Definition for Additive Manufacturing encompasses relevant AM details including design, manufacturing, and quality engineering.  The voluntary standard provides definitions, symbols, rules, and guidelines pertaining to the numerous geometric characteristics essential for drafting and designing products and systems.

ASME has issued the new standard under the “Draft Standard for Trial Use” policy furthering ASME’s invitation to obtain public comment and requests for revisions.  This consensus program, aiming to ensure the highest quality, will continue for three years.

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