Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence and Additive Minds add more machines to operator certification program.
The ASTM International Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) and the EOS applied engineering and training group, Additive Minds, have announced the expansion of an additive manufacturing (AM) certification program. The PBF-LB Machine Operator Certification program now includes the EOS M 400/EOS M 400-4 metal additive manufacturing platforms, in addition to existing certifications for the EOS M290.
Originally launched in April 2022, the PBF-LB Machine Operator Certification program is designed to provide a benchmark for assessing reliable and competent operations of metal PBF-LB machines, based on the joint ISO/ASTM standard (ISO/ASTM 52942:2020). The certification for both EOS M 290 and EOS M 400/EOS M 400-4 operators is intended to offer a “stamp of approval,” along with theoretical and practical assessments to evaluate machine-specific competency.
More specifically, the ASTM certification evaluates proficiency in:
- Additive Manufacturing Procedure Specification (APS)
- Standard operating procedures
- Machine management and build process monitoring
- Post-processing optimization
- Operator maintenance of systems
- Powder material family specializations
- Up to two material groups based on user’s selection
“ASTM continues its effort to support the industrialization of additive manufacturing by offering programs such as certification,” said Paul Bates, senior training and certification leader at ASTM International, in a joint press release. “This certification allows operators of sophisticated AM machines to demonstrate expertise and stand out in the industry. The certification will emphasize your organization’s commitment to quality and consistency using PBF-LB processes, and open doors to new production opportunities in the world of additive manufacturing.”
“We are pleased to see the Additive Manufacturing Operator Certification Program continuing to blossom,” said Fabian Alefeld, senior manager of the Additive Minds Academy and Consulting at EOS, in the same release. “Coupled with the recent launch of our in-person Additive Minds Academy training center, we are taking substantial steps towards closing the industrial 3D printing educational gap and building a stronger, more robust AM workforce for the future of our industry.”
