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ISO/ASTM 52941:2020(E)

Additive manufacturing — System performance and

reliability — Acceptance tests for laser metal powder-bed
fusion machines for metallic materials for aerospace
application1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation ISO/ASTM 52941; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.

1. Scope ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in

1.1 This document specifies requirements and test methods standardization at the following addresses:
for the qualification and re-qualification of laser beam ma- — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://
chines for metal powder bed fusion additive manufacturing for www.iso.org/obp
aerospace applications. — IEC Electropedia: available at http://
www.electropedia.org/
1.2 It can also be used to verify machine features during
periodic inspections or following maintenance and repair 3.2 Definitions:
activities. 3.2.1 scanning speed—relative linear speed of the laser
beam movement in the plane of the build platform (working
2. Normative references plane).
2.1 The following documents are referred to in the text in 3.2.2 warm-up time—time from switching on the machine
such a way that some or all of their content constitutes until the build cycle can be started, as specified by the machine
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the manufacturer.
edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition 3.2.3 feeding platform—platform that moves incrementally
of the referenced document (including any amendments) ap- to supply powder to the powder spreading device (3.2.4).
plies. 3.2.4 power spreading device—powder supply mechanism,
ISO 11146 (all parts) Lasers and laser-related equipment — which distributes and evenly spreads the powder on the build
Test methods for laser beam widths, divergence angles and surface.
beam propagation ratios
3.2.5 rated laser power—the maximum power capability as
ISO 11554 Optics and photonics — Lasers and laser-related
specified by the laser manufacturer.
equipment — Test methods for laser beam power, energy
and temporal characteristics 3.2.6 minimum beam waist position—focal spot location at
ISO/ASTM 52900 Additive manufacturing — General prin- which the beam has the most concentrated energy and the
ciples — Part 1: Fundamentals and vocabulary2 smallest cross sectional area.
ISO/ASTM 52921 Standard terminology for additive manu-
facturing — Coordinate systems and test methodologies2 4. Equipment
4.1 Equipment shall be installed, operated and maintained
3. Terms and definitions according to the documented instructions.
3.1 For the purposes of this document, the terms and
definitions given in ISO/ASTM 52900, ISO/ASTM 52921 and 5. Environmental and operational conditions
the following apply. 5.1 The environmental and operational conditions during
qualification testing shall meet the requirement ranges if
1
This international standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F42 specified by the machine manufacturer and shall conform to the
on Additive Manufacturing Technologies and is the direct responsibility of conditions which are specified by a machine user during
Subcommittee F42.07 on Applications and is also under the jurisdiction of production, as examples the following:
ISO/TC-261, Additive manufacturing, on the basis of a partnership agreement
between ISO and ASTM International with the aim to create a common set of (a) temperature;
ISO/ASTM standards on additive manufacturing. (b) humidity;
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2020. Published November 2020.
2
(c) services/utilities (e.g. supply of electrical power, com-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
pressed air, shielding gas, water);
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on (d) shocks/vibrations;
the ASTM website. (e) chamber pressure;

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ISO/ASTM 52941:2020(E)

(f) process gas purity. The result shall be compared to the requirements for spot
Health and safety measures relating to laser radiation and to size, profile and symmetry.
fire and explosion protection shall be observed. 6.2.5 Evaluation of the minimum laser beam waist posi-
tion in different working plane locations—After the warm-up
6. Qualification testing time is completed, the minimum beam waist position (focal
point) shall be determined in the center and in four points at the
6.1 General—The qualification testing of laser beam ma- extremities of the surface available for building the parts.
chines for metal powder bed fusion additive manufacturing A value for the beam waist position in z-axis shall be given
shall comprise as a minimum the requirements specified in 6.2 with reference to the build surface.
to 6.7. The minimum beam waist position can be determined by
The measurement shall be performed with a calibrated producing parallel lines with the laser on a test sheet at
measuring instrument according to the measuring instrument different build platform heights (Z-axis). The thinnest line
instructions. represents the focus position.
6.2 Laser beam tests 6.2.6 Evaluation of the thermal stability of the minimum
6.2.1 Testing the laser power for continuous wave beam waist position—The evaluation of the stability of the
lasers—The laser power shall be measured. The measurement minimum beam waist position shall be determined at 10 %,
should be performed according to ISO 11554, as applicable. 50 % and 90 % of the maximum nominal laser power after the
The nominal machine power settings shall be compared with warm-up time is completed.
the actual values. The measurement shall be performed with a The evaluation shall be carried out with laser beam in a
calibrated measuring instrument at the point of use (i.e. inside vertical direction at the working plane with suitable test
the build chamber). The instrument shall be capable of accurate equipment.
measurement of the actual laser power range. Unless otherwise agreed by the contracting parties, the
The laser power measurement shall conform to the require- minimum time for application of each power setting shall be 15
ments of production by covering the typical power range. If min.
this range is unknown, it is recommended to measure at a The results of this evaluation shall be compared to the result
minimum of three points including 30 % and 90 % of the of the evaluation in 6.2.5 and/or the evaluation of the spot size
maximum rated laser power. in 6.2.4, dependent on the measurement methods used.
If specified by the machine manufacturer, a warm-up time 6.2.7 Testing the laser beam position—The configuration
shall be applied. of the laser beam position (field correction) in relation to the
6.2.2 Testing the laser power stability for continuous working plate shall be determined. This can be done by means
wave lasers—The laser power stability should be measured of suitable geometric patterns produced by the laser and their
according to ISO 11554, if applicable. If ISO 11554 is not measurement.
applicable the following procedure should be applied. If a The vector of the X-Y-deviations of the laser beam position
warm-up time is specified, the stability measurements shall from the specified positions shall not exceed 0.06 mm, unless
start immediately after the warm-up time is completed. otherwise agreed by the contracting parties.
Unless otherwise agreed by the contracting parties, demon- 6.2.8 Trajectory accuracy—For the determination of the
strate laser power stability by making the following power trajectory accuracy, at a given scanning speed, a geometric
measurements after all optical elements, without powder: pattern shall be applied to a test sheet. Annex B gives an
(a) maximum rated laser power after specified warm-up example of a geometric pattern for the trajectory accuracy test.
time of the machine; The scanning speed at which the trajectory accuracy is deter-
(b) maximum rated-laser power taken not later than 2 min mined shall be documented.
after laser is held at the maximum-rated-laser power for 15 min The pattern for the determination of the trajectory accuracy
minimum; should encompass the total working range and the scanning
Variation between the two measurements shall not exceed speed range and is measured with optical instruments. The
65 % following shall be assessed:
— conformance of the entry point to the exit point at closed
NOTE 1—See 3.2.5 for the definition of rated laser power. or complementary contours;
6.2.3 Testing of pulsed wave lasers—The characteristics — trajectory accuracy when changing direction (inertia of
shall be measured according to ISO 11554. The requirements the optical system);
shall be agreed by the contracting parties. — overlapping area between different exposure forms (e.g.
6.2.4 Evaluation of the laser beam characteristics—The contour and volume exposure).
laser beam characteristics (spot size, profile and symmetry) 6.2.9 Scanning speed—Scanning speed measurements shall
shall be determined with suitable test equipment at the working be performed in x- and y-directions as well as in (45 6 15)°
plane with the laser beam in a vertical direction to the working direction.
plane. The scanning speed for the measurement can be specified by
Unless otherwise agreed by the contracting parties, the the user.
evaluation of the laser beam characteristics shall be performed EXAMPLE The scanning speed can be determined by
according to the appropriate part of ISO 11146 (all parts). laser engraving (melt track) on a test sheet in the plane of the

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 ISO/ASTM 52941:2020(E)

working platform. For this purpose, a defined trajectory length load in the lowest positions. The weight load shall be specified
is applied in a specified period of time. The trajectory length is in relation to the material to be processed (relative density) and
subsequently measured and divided by the actual laser the holding capacity. Tolerances shall be agreed upon by the
switch-on time. The metering of the actual laser switch-on time contracting parties.
is carried out for example at the laser control station. 6.3.4 Other powder feed processing mechanics—
The maximum permissible deviation of the measured scan- Machines where the powder is delivered to the feed region by
ning speeds from the specified value is 65 %, unless otherwise a method that is not based on a feeding platform requires that
agreed by the contracting parties. a method for measuring and verification of the repeatability the
6.2.10 Requirements for equipment with multiple laser delivered amount of powder to be specified. The tolerances for
beam sources—Where a multi laser machine is to be used to the delivered amount of powder shall be determined by
manufacture parts, each of which is entirely within one laser’s agreement between the contracting parties.
working zone, the specifications as detailed in 6.2.1 to 6.2.9 6.3.5 Movement of the powder spreading device—The
shall be applied separately to each working zone. function of the powder spreading device shall be inspected for
Where a multi laser machine is to be used to manufacture uniform and repeatable operation. The inspection should be
parts, any of which span more than one laser’s working zone, performed under operational conditions, i.e. with powder.
additional cross-calibrations shall be required, as agreed by the 6.4 Heating system—The functionalities of the heating
contracting parties. systems shall be demonstrated or verified as specified by
When multiple lasers target the same location at any point in machine user.
the build area, the distance between any two laser beam
positions shall not exceed 0.06 mm, unless otherwise agreed by 6.5 Atmosphere inside the working space—By means of
the contracting parties. suitable sensor technology and control systems, it shall be
The measurement results shall be documented. ensured that the atmosphere conforms to the requirements
throughout the process and these requirements shall be speci-
6.3 Mechanical function test fied.
6.3.1 General—The mechanical functions relevant for the The sensor systems shall be calibrated and a calibration
process shall be checked for their precision and their repro- protocol shall be available.
ducibility. The gas tightness of the machine shall be specified and
6.3.2 Build platform positioning—The precision and re- tested. Test can be performed by measuring pressure change
producibility of the movement of the build platform shall be over a given time period. Test results shall be documented.
determined over a defined range of movements, e.g. by means
6.6 Data recording—The functionality of data recording
of a dial indicator or a glass scale.
systems shall be demonstrated or verified.
For this purpose, the build platform shall be moved by
progressive stages, which should correspond to the targeted 6.7 Safety systems—The functionality of all existing safety
powder coating thickness values or their multiple. systems shall be demonstrated or verified.
Measurements shall be taken at a minimum of five build 6.8 Optional tests
platform heights (0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, 100 % of total build 6.8.1 Demonstrators and test artifacts—Within the scope
platform travel range), a minimum of 5 successive movements of the qualification testing, demonstrator components and/or
shall be conducted at each platform height, with unloaded build test artifacts according to ISO/ASTM 52902 can be manufac-
platform in the highest positions and under a weight load in the tured. The following should be taken into consideration:
lowest positions. The weight load shall be specified in relation (a) surface irregularities, e.g. projections, recesses;
to the material to be processed (relative density) and the (b) flaws;
holding capacity, at a minimum of 30 % of the holding (c) surplus (partly fused) material;
capacity. (d) temper color (especially for titanium) and/or traces of
Tolerances shall be agreed upon by the contracting parties. powder as a sign of insufficient atmosphere protection;
6.3.3 Feeding platform positioning—This subclause is (e) cavities and lack of fusion demonstrated in the
only applicable for machines which are equipped with feeding photomicrograph, possibly radiographic examination;
platform(s). (f) geometric dimensional accuracy;
The precision and reproducibility of the movement of the (g) cracks.
feeding platform shall be determined over a specified range of 6.8.2 Build area assessment—A build area assessment may
movements, e.g. by means of a dial indicator or a glass scale. be performed to evaluate build quality versus location on the
For this purpose, the feeding platform shall be moved by build platform. Fig. 1 is an example of an ultrasonic inspection
distances that correspond to the amount of powder needed for assessment. The specific NDT method and procedural details
depositing one or multiple layers of the intended powder layer should be defined.
thickness. 6.8.3 Gas flow test by hot wire anemometer —A hot wire
Measurements shall be taken at a minimum of five feeding anemometer test may be performed. The hot wire anemometer
platforms heights (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of total feeding is a device used for measuring the velocity and direction of a
platform travel range), a minimum of 5 successive movements fluid or gas. This can be done by measuring the heat loss of the
shall be conducted at each platform height, with unloaded wire which is placed in the fluid or gas stream. The wire is
feeding platforms in the highest positions and under a weight heated by electrical current. An example of measurement

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ISO/ASTM 52941:2020(E)

FIG. 1 Example of ultrasonic testing of build area assessment

Key
X x coordinate, in mm
Y1 y coordinate, in mm
Y2 signal power, in %

locations at the build platform is given in Fig. 2. An example (a) type and designation of the laser metal powder-bed
of hot wire anemometer in the build area is given in Fig. 3. fusion machine for additive manufacture;
6.9 Requalification—Relevant qualification testing shall be (b) machine serial number;
repeated if the machine is modified or if major changes to the (c) environmental and operational conditions;
operational conditions have been made (e.g. modification, (d) scope of the test (material-related and operational
repair or replacement of key components, relocation of the limits);
machine). (e) results of the tests, see Clause 6;
Software changes may require machine requalification. (f) date of the test;
Key components of the machine include: (g) location of the test;
— laser source; (h) names of the persons who carried out the test;
— gas system; (i) name of the person who reviewed the test methods and
— optical system; results;
— movement axes; (j) remarks and specific features;
— powder spreading device; (k) reference to this document, i.e. ISO/ASTM
— heating unit of the build platform. 52941:2020.
7. Test Report
The test results shall be fully documented. The test report
(see example in Annex A), shall include at least the following
information:

FIG. 2 Example of measurement locations at the build platform

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 ISO/ASTM 52941:2020(E)

FIG. 3 Example of hot wire anemometer in the build chamber

Key
1 control unit
2 hot wire anemometer
3 build platform

ANNEXES

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ISO/ASTM 52941:2020(E)

Annex A

(informative)

Example of a test report

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 ISO/ASTM 52941:2020(E)

Annex B

(informative)

Geometric pattern for the trajectory accuracy test

Proposed sequence of trajectory: A→ B→ C→ D→ A→ C→ H→ B→ D→ F→ A→ G→ E→ C→ G→ B→ E→ D→ H→ F→ E→ H→ G→ F→ G→ H→ E→F

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ISO/ASTM 52941:2020(E)

Bibliography

(1) ISO 11145, Optics and photonics — Lasers and laser-related (4) ISO/ASTM 52902, Additive manufacturing — Test artifacts —
equipment — Vocabulary and symbols Geometric capability assessment of additive manufacturing sys-
(2) ISO/IEC 11518-9:1999 Information technology — High- tems
Performance Parallel Interface — Part 9: Serial specification (5) EN 60204-1, Safety of machinery — Electrical equipment of ma-
(HIPPI-Serial) chines — Part 1: General requirements
(3) ISO 11553-1, Safety of machinery — Laser processing machines (6) EN 60825-1, Safety of laser products — Part 1: Equipment classi-
— Part 1: Laser safety requirements fication and requirements

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