Overview
ISO/ASTM 52907:2019 - Additive manufacturing - Feedstock materials - Methods to characterize metal powders defines technical specifications and agreed test methods for metallic powders intended for additive manufacturing (AM). The standard focuses on ensuring consistency, traceability and reproducible characterization of metal feedstock across supplier and customer interfaces. It covers documentation, sampling, particle size distribution, chemical composition, densities, morphology, flowability, contamination, and packaging/storage. The document explicitly does not address safety requirements and also includes specific provisions for used metallic powders.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Documentation and traceability: requirements for inspection documents and statements of conformity (examples and a certificate template are in Annex B). Reports should include lot references, production process (e.g., atomization gas), packaging description, analysis date and storage instructions. Inspection documents are aligned with EN 10204 and ISO/IEC 17050-1.
- Sampling: representative sampling procedures to ensure homogeneity; references ISO 3954 and ASTM B215 for sampling practice and emphasis on preventing cross-contamination.
- Particle size distribution (PSD): PSD may be measured by laser diffraction (ISO 13320), light scattering (ISO 22412 / ASTM B822), static/dynamic image analysis (ISO 13322-1/-2) and sieving (ISO 2591-1, ISO 4497, ASTM B214). Results commonly reported as D10, D50 and D90. The standard notes method limitations and that results from different methods can differ.
- Chemical composition: analysis via accepted techniques (wet chemical, AAS, XRF, etc.) with appropriate sample preparation for powder mixtures.
- Characteristic densities: methods for apparent and tap density (references include ISO 3923 series, ISO 3953 and ASTM equivalents).
- Morphology and flowability: guidance on describing particle shape, surface features and flow properties relevant to AM processes.
- Contamination, packaging and storage: contamination control, packaging (including protective gases and desiccants), handling and storage instructions; note that desiccants can be contamination sources.
- Used powder: specific requirements for powders that have been previously processed in AM to capture property shifts due to reuse.
Practical applications and who uses it
- Powder suppliers: to prepare certificates of conformity and ensure product consistency for AM feedstock.
- Additive manufacturing service providers and OEMs: to qualify incoming powders and compare lots against agreed specifications.
- Quality assurance and materials labs: to select and apply appropriate test methods and report results consistently.
- Procurement and compliance teams: to define supplier requirements and ensure traceability of feedstock.
Related standards (examples)
Keywords: ISO/ASTM 52907:2019, metal powders, additive manufacturing, powder characterization, particle size distribution, chemical composition, flowability, powder traceability.