ISO/ASTM 52948 standard classifies imperfections in metal Powder Bed Fusion

The joint working group ISO/TC 261-ASTM F42 JG59 ‘NDT for AM parts’ has published its third standard: ISO/ASTM 52948:2026 Additive manufacturing of metals – Powder bed fusion – Classification of imperfections.
This document specifies the classification of imperfections generated during the process of metal Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) or Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) Additive Manufacturing. The document also identifies the most probable causes of imperfection formation and includes illustrations.
While this standard can be extended to other Additive Manufacturing process categories, the indication of probable causes is process-specific. Acceptance criteria and dimensional description or scale for imperfections, however, are not included in this document.
The standard is available for purchase here.



























