Global standards organization ASTM International and TÜV SÜD, a German testing and certification organization, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop programs aimed at speeding adoption of and trust in Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies. This strategic partnership supports knowledge sharing and the growing use of Additive Manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) technologies across many industry sectors.
“To unleash the full potential of AM, we need a smart global ecosystem of research, standardization, education, testing, and certification,” said Dr. Mohsen Seifi, director of global additive manufacturing programs at ASTM International. “We are pleased to sign this MOU, which aligns two globally-recognized organizations’ complementary strengths and will help create a robust technical foundation for AM innovation across many industries.”
The MOU was signed at Formnext 2019, a major annual AM conference and exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, that showcases the latest developments and trends in AM. The partnership will include joint development of new educational, advisory, qualification, and certification services in several areas:
• Land transportation and mobility;
• Air transportation;
• Industrial plants;
• Consumer products; and,
• Health care.
“TÜV SÜD is excited to be bringing its world-renowned expertise in regulatory and non-regulatory testing and certification to this important partnership,” said Holger Lindner, CEO of TÜV SÜD’s Product Service Division. “We look forward to supporting the growth and adoption of AM technologies by implementing market-relevant standards with robust certification programs while also preparing to meet the future needs of the AM industry.”
Gregor Reischle, Head of Additive Manufacturing at TÜV SÜD: “I am very much looking forward to bringing our extensive customer experience in the field of AM into the standardization processes and to enriching the partnership.”
“This new technology is changing production globally and turning traditional business models upside down,” said Ken Walsh, Principal Commercial Officer of the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Consulate in Düsseldorf. “It is therefore important that world-renowned AM organizations based both here and in the U.S., develop these new technologies in close cooperation.” The U.S. Commercial Service provided a space for the event, but the U.S. Government is not part of the MoU.
This partnership involves the ASTM International Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence and its efforts to develop joint programs in certification, education, and workforce development.
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