Roadmapping Workshop on Measurement Science for Metal-Based Additive Manufacturing

The National Institute of Standards and Technology hosted a two-day Roadmapping Workshop on Measurement Science for Metal-Based Additive Manufacturing on December 4-5, 2012 at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, MD.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a high-priority technology growth area for U.S. manufacturers. Innovative additive manufacturing processes that fabricate parts layer-by-layer directly from the 3-D digital model have great potential for making high-value, complex, individually customized parts. However, key issues must be addressed to achieve widespread use of additive processes for direct part production and realize the potential economic benefits. Among the issues to be addressed are gaps in measurement methods, performance metrics, and standards needed to evaluate fundamental AM process characteristics, improve the performance of AM equipment, improve the accuracy of AM parts, and increase the confidence in the mechanical properties of parts fabricated using these systems.

Event Overview

This event brought together experts in AM from diverse stakeholder groups to identify the priority measurement science challenges and associated R&D needs for metal-based AM systems. The results of the workshop will serve as the foundation for development of a measurement science roadmap for AM.

The workshop agenda included stage-setting speakers, panel discussions, and facilitated break-out sessions. The emphasis was on defining requirements and priorities in areas such as:

• AM materials
• AM processes and equipment
  
• Qualification & certification of materials, processes, and products
  
• Modeling and simulation of AM

Workshop Objectives  

The workshop will built on prior AM roadmaps and other efforts that have identified technology challenges and R&D requirements, and will focus on high-priority measurement science needs. Workshop objectives were to identify: 

• Future measurement and standards related targets/goals for metal-based AM
  
• Measurement science barriers, challenges, and gaps that prevent the broad use of metal-based AM
  
•  Priorities and timing for ASTM F42 standards development
  
• R&D needed to address the priority measurement and standards challenges

Who Attended

Additive manufacturing stakeholders, including technology suppliers and users, university researchers, and government agencies.

Benefits of Attending

• Influence the national research agenda for metal-based additive manufacturing
• Influence the selection, priorities, and timing of new standards developed with ASTM F42
• Hear perspectives from key companies, researchers, and decision-makers
• Create and improve collaboration opportunities with peers working in the field

Program Details

kevin.jurrens [at] nist.gov (Kevin Jurrens)
301-975-5486