ASTM and TÜV SÜD sign MoU to promote adoption of AM
The two renowned standards groups will work together to develop qualification and certification services
Global standards organization ASTM International and German certification organization TÜV SÜD have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing programs to drive the adoption and overall trust of additive manufacturing. The partnership creates further global ties between global AM standards organization—a critical step in establishing industry-wide regulations.
The agreement was signed by both groups at Formnext 2019 and will support knowledge sharing for the benefit of accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing across many industries. Going forward, ASTM and TÜV SÜD will work together to develop new educational, advisory, qualification and certification services. These services will target many sectors, including land transportation and mobility, air transportation, industrial plants, consumer products and healthcare.
“To unleash the full potential of AM, we need a smart global ecosystem of research, standardization, education, testing and certification,” explained Dr. Mohsen Seifi, Director of Global AM programs at ASTM International. “We are pleased to sign this MoU, which aligns two globally recognized organizations’ complimentary strengths and will help create a robust technical foundation for AM innovation across many industries.”
“TÜV SÜD is excited to be bringing its world-renowned expertise in regulatory and non-regulatory testing and certification to this important partnership,” added Holger Lindner, CEO of TÜV SÜD’s Product Service Division. “We look forward to supporting the growth and adoption of AM technologies by implementing market-relevant standards with robust certification programs while also preparing to meet the future needs of the industry.”
This year at Formnext, TÜV SÜD is showcasing its service portfolio in additive manufacturing, including a new specification, DIN SPEC 17071. TÜV SÜD is also presenting a concept study for digital component certification.
Standards, as most in the industry would admit, will play a vital role in achieving full industrialization for additive manufacturing. It is therefore no wonder that the topic is being focused on at Formnext, especially through its international Partner Country program with the U.S.
“This new technology is changing production globally and turning traditional business models upside down,” said Ken Walsh, Principal Commercial Officer of the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Consulate in Düsseldorf. “It is therefore important that world-renowned AM organizations based both here and in the U.S. develop these new technologies in close cooperation.”
