scope:

Additive manufacturing processes are an inherent part of the product development process.

They are used to manufacture prototypes, tools and end products. The scope of this interdisciplinary technology now covers diverse application fields in addition to engineering, ranging from architecture and medicine to archaeology, art and cartography.

During its development, different terms and definitions have emerged which are frequently ambiguous and confusing. Moreover, there are various different processes available on the market and it is not always clear what opportunities, potential and limitations they offer in terms of application.

This standard offers field-tested recommendations and advice to users (customers) and manufacturers (both external and internal service providers), to improve communication between customer and supplier and contribute to an authoritative performance design and a smooth handling of the project.

The standard

• explains the commercially available additive manufacturing processes,
• facilitates a better assessment of different additive manufacturing processes,
• specifies the quality parameters of different additive manufacturing processes,
• recommends the scope and content of tests and supply agreements.

This standard applies wherever additive manufacturing processes are used, and to the following fields in particular

• production of additive manufacturing systems and equipment including software,
• material development and distribution,
• additive manufacturing of parts, tools and end products,
• use of these parts, tools and end products.

Detailed information on additive manufacturing of polymer parts is given in VDI 3405 Part 1; VDI 3405 Part 2 covers metal parts.