Overview
ISO/ASTM 52903-2:2020 specifies requirements for the process equipment used in material extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) of plastic materials. This international standard helps manufacturers, AM users, and customers ensure the integrity of plastic parts produced using material extrusion technologies, by defining requirements for processes, equipment, and operational parameters. The standard applies to all material extrusion-based AM processes and focuses on quality assurance, testing methodologies, equipment qualification, and traceability, providing a consistent framework for manufacturing high-quality plastic components.
Key Topics
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Process Specification Classes:
The standard defines three classes of process specification to accommodate different quality and traceability requirements:
- Class I: Most rigorous, intended for parts demanding the highest quality and traceability.
- Class II: High-quality production with moderate traceability requirements.
- Class III: General guidance for producing standard quality parts with minimal traceability.
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Material Requirements:
Materials must comply with ISO/ASTM 52903-1, ensuring consistent feedstock quality for extrusion-based processes.
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Fabrication of Test Specimens:
Specifies procedures for creating and testing specimens to measure direction-independent, direction-dependent, and mechanical properties. This ensures parts meet expected performance standards.
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Quality Assurance:
Outlines responsibilities for inspection and testing throughout the process. Manufacturers must maintain and operate AM equipment per OEM recommendations, record essential process parameters, and ensure proper post-processing.
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Tolerances and Surface Roughness:
Requires tolerances and surface finishes to be agreed upon between the customer and part manufacturer, supporting application-specific requirements.
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Equipment and Build Qualification:
Details procedures for qualifying and requalifying AM equipment to OEM-recommended performance levels, promoting reliable part production.
Applications
ISO/ASTM 52903-2:2020 is used for:
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Procurement and Contract Manufacturing:
Enables clear communication of equipment standards, process controls, and quality expectations for suppliers and customers procuring material extrusion-based plastic parts.
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Process Validation and Part Qualification:
Provides guidelines for validating AM processes and produced parts, essential for sectors demanding high levels of quality assurance, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.
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Quality Management Integration:
Supports integration with broader quality management systems, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 where applicable.
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Industry Best Practices:
Establishes a foundation for consistent equipment maintenance, process parameter documentation, and traceability, leading to increased reliability and repeatability of additive manufactured parts.
Related Standards
For comprehensive additive manufacturing process control, consider these related standards:
- ISO/ASTM 52900 - General principles, fundamentals, and vocabulary for additive manufacturing
- ISO/ASTM 52903-1 - Feedstock materials for material extrusion-based additive manufacturing of plastics
- ISO/ASTM 52921 - Coordinate systems and test methodologies for AM
- ASTM F3091/F3091M - Specification for powder bed fusion of plastic materials
- ISO 9001 - Quality management systems - Requirements
- ISO 13485 - Quality management for medical devices
Practical Value
Implementing ISO/ASTM 52903-2:2020 helps organizations:
- Enhance product reliability and consistency in extrusion-based 3D printing
- Meet customer and regulatory requirements for plastic AM parts
- Improve process transparency and part traceability
- Streamline communication between suppliers, production, and customers
- Lay the groundwork for certification and qualification in high-demand industries
By adhering to this standard, users ensure optimal utilization of material extrusion-based additive manufacturing equipment and processes, supporting innovation and commercial competitiveness in 3D printing of plastic components.