Applications

ASTM announces plans for Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, seeks partners

ASTM International, a global standards development organization, plans to open an Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence and is seeking partners to collaborate with on this project.

As previously reported by 3D Printing Industry, ASTM has previously published a framework that can be used to develop standards for additive manufacturing – addressing an important barrier to the widespread adoption of the technology.

ASTM International has a long-standing committee on additive manufacturing technologies (F42), in partnership with SME, that was formed in 2009. The F42 committee also works with the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) Technical Committee 261.

Image: ASTM
The ASTM Additive Manufacturing Standards Structure.

A global innovation hub

The proposed global innovation hub will further this work and is intended to advance AM technical standards, related R&D, education and training, and other critical areas.

Katharine Morgan, ASTM president said, “Over the last decade, hundreds of the world’s top experts in additive manufacturing have pioneered the development of new standards through ASTM International.”

“We are thrilled to take this next bold step to bridge standards development with R&D, while also meeting the growing demand for related services in this field.”

A grant of $250,000 annually for an initial period of up to five years will support the center. In-kind contributions to extend funding are also invited.

The proposed ASTM center will, “serve as a focal point for standards-related R&D activities, helping address pressing industry needs and gaps.”

ASTM Standards development report for 2016.
ASTM Standards development report for 2016.

For those wishing to participate, letters of intent are due Nov. 27 with full proposals due shortly thereafter on Dec. 15. The winning proposal will be announced in early 2018. Those wishing to apply are encouraged to highlight approaches that maximize coordination and collaboration among academia, industry, and governments.

Details, contact information, and frequently asked questions regarding the application and selection process can be found here.

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