EOS and ASTM International Add Operator Certification Program

The ASTM International Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE), along with Additive Minds—the applied engineering, and training group of EOS, a global leader of AM technologies, jointly announce the expansion of the PBF-LB Machine Operator Certification program to include the EOS M 400/EOS M 400-4 metal additive manufacturing (AM) platform.

Originally launched in April 2022 and piloted with the EOS M 290 system, the PBF-LB Machine Operator Certification program provides 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 is now offered to EOS M 290 and EOS M 400/EOS M 400-4 operators, offering a “stamp of approval,” along with theoretical and practical assessments to evaluate machine-specific competency.

The ASTM certification evaluates:

• 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 (2) material groups based on user’s selection

“ASTM continues its effort to support the industrialization of additive manufacturing by offering programs such as certification,” says Paul Bates, senior training & certification leader at ASTM International. “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,” Fabian Alefeld, senior manager of the Additive Minds Academy and Consulting at EOS. “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.”

Additional information and registration for the new ASTM Machine Operator Certification for EOS M 400 / M 400-4 is available in the EOS Store.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.