Overview
EN ISO/ASTM 52941:2020 (adopted as EN ISO/ASTM 52941:2020 / SIST EN ISO/ASTM 52941:2021) specifies requirements and test methods for the qualification and re‑qualification of laser metal powder‑bed fusion (L‑PBF) machines used to produce metallic components for aerospace applications. It defines acceptance tests to verify system performance and reliability and can also be used for periodic inspections or after maintenance and repair.
Key topics and technical requirements
This standard focuses on machine‑level performance verification and includes test methods and criteria for:
- Laser beam tests
- Measurement of laser power and power stability (continuous‑wave and pulsed lasers)
- Beam characteristics, minimum beam waist position and thermal stability
- Laser beam position, trajectory accuracy and scanning speed
- Requirements for multi‑laser systems
- Mechanical function tests
- Build platform positioning and feeding platform movement
- Powder feed and powder spreading device performance, including spreader movement
- Process environment and auxiliary systems
- Build area heating system and control
- Atmosphere control inside the working chamber (oxygen/inert gas management)
- Gas flow testing (e.g., hot wire anemometry) as an optional test
- Data, safety and documentation
- Data recording provisions during tests
- Verification of safety systems
- Test reporting and re‑qualification procedures
- Optional demonstrations
- Use of demonstrator parts, build area assessment artifacts and trajectory patterns for additional verification
The standard references normative documents for laser measurement and AM terminology (e.g., ISO 11146, ISO 11554, ISO/ASTM 52900, 52921).
Practical applications
This standard is intended to:
- Guide acceptance testing for newly installed L‑PBF machines destined for aerospace production
- Support re‑qualification after major maintenance, repair, or upgrades
- Provide a checklist for periodic inspections to maintain process control and traceability
- Inform procurement and acceptance criteria when buying or commissioning machines
Who uses this standard
- Aerospace manufacturers and suppliers using L‑PBF for metallic parts
- Machine OEMs and system integrators conducting factory acceptance tests
- Quality, qualification and maintenance engineers responsible for machine certification
- Conformity assessment bodies and auditors validating machine readiness for aerospace use
Related standards
- ISO 11146 (laser beam width and propagation tests)
- ISO 11554 (laser power and temporal characteristics)
- ISO/ASTM 52900 (AM fundamentals and vocabulary)
- ISO/ASTM 52921 (coordinate systems and AM test methodologies)
Keywords: additive manufacturing, L‑PBF, laser metal powder‑bed fusion, aerospace, machine qualification, acceptance tests, system performance, re‑qualification, powder spreading, laser beam tests.