Overview
ISO/ASTM 52936-1:2023 - Additive manufacturing of polymers - Qualification principles - Part 1: General principles and preparation of test specimens for PBF‑LB (laser sintering) specifies how to prepare thermoplastic test specimens using laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF‑LB/P). The standard establishes requirements to achieve reproducible and reportable sintering conditions, promote uniform description of main process parameters, and standardize reporting of build orientation and sintering conditions. It does not specify the mechanical test procedures themselves.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Applies to thermoplastic materials processed by PBF‑LB/P (laser sintering) for test‑specimen preparation.
- Specimen dimensions: Shall follow ISO 3167 or ISO 20753; reduced‑scale specimens allowed if agreed.
- Material conditioning: Powder must be conditioned per material standard or manufacturer guidance; avoid moisture condensation; document powder batch history.
- Powder reuse: If using virgin/used blends, pre‑determine reuse limits via powder studies and record the virgin:used ratio (see ISO/ASTM 52925 for feedstock qualification).
- Machine and process settings: Report and control laser wavelength, laser power (contour and hatch), laser mode, beam radius, scan speed (contour and hatch), hatching type and spacing, contour offset, preheat temperature/time, layer thickness, inert gas, and build orientation/location (ISO/ASTM 52921).
- Build practices: Specimen preparation for qualification must be completed in a single uninterrupted production run; interrupted builds must be rejected.
- Cooling and handling: Specimens remain in the part cake until the specified cool‑down temperature is reached; recommended slow cooling in an inert atmosphere or inside the machine to maintain consistency.
- Cleaning & storage: Remove adherent powder while recovering acceptable powder; final cleaning methods should match part finishing; store specimens per relevant test standards.
- Reporting: A comprehensive report is required including production date/place, material and batch details, processing parameters, machine details, specimen orientation/location, density (if required), and any post‑processing.
Applications and users
ISO/ASTM 52936-1:2023 is practical for:
- Additive manufacturing R&D and process engineers setting up PBF‑LB qualification builds
- Test laboratories preparing specimens for mechanical, thermal, or chemical tests
- Material suppliers documenting powder conditioning and reuse limits
- Quality managers and certification bodies requiring traceable, reproducible specimen preparation and reporting
- Contract manufacturers and parts providers agreeing build and reporting protocols with customers
Keywords: ISO/ASTM 52936-1:2023, PBF‑LB, laser sintering, additive manufacturing of polymers, test specimen preparation, qualification principles, powder bed fusion.
Related standards
- ISO 3167, ISO 20753 (test specimen dimensions)
- ISO/ASTM 52900 (AM fundamentals & vocabulary)
- ISO/ASTM 52921 (coordinate systems & test methodologies)
- ISO/ASTM 52925 (feedstock materials - powder qualification)