Properties

When comparing the properties of materials processed using different manufacturing routes it is possible to find certain similarities. However, it is well known that depending on the manufacturing process specific properties can be improved.

Not all materials behave in the same way, but in general it is possible to establish that mechanical properties resulting from AM processes are comparable to the ones resulting from casting.

The figure below shows some typical mechanical properties for the titanium alloy Ti6AlV4 used for medical implants, illustrating the good properties of SLM parts. In general, parts resulting from AM processes need to be heat-treated in order to achieve optimal mechanical properties.

Mechanical properties of Ti6AlV4

Standards

Activities supporting the development of standards for AM are being undertaken around the world. EU projects like SASAM (Support Action for Standardisation in Additive Manufacturing) are promoting the growth of AM to become an efficient and sustainable industrial manufacturing process by integrating and coordinating standardisation activities within the European community.

Initiatives like STAIR AM (Standardisation, innovation and research) are also facilitating the dialogue and communication between the research and innovation communities, CEN and CENELEC members, and standardisation activities.

Parallel to these activities, groups from ISO/TC261 are working in cooperation with the ASTM F42 committee in developing standards in the field of AM, concerning their processes, terms and definitions, process chains, test procedures, quality parameters, supply agreements and all kinds of fundamentals.

For more information on standards in metal Additive Manufacturing see the article “Standards for metal Additive Manufacturing: A global perspective” in the free-to-download Summer 2016 issue of Metal AM magazine.

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