TÜV SÜD and ASTM International Launch Additive Manufacturing Partnership

Global standards organization ASTM International and TÜV SÜD, a German testing and certification organization, have 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.”
 
“TÜV SÜD is excited to be bringing its 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.”
 
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.

 
“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.

Gregor Reischle, head of Additive Manufacturing at TÜV SÜD, said: “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.”
 
Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. The organizations integrates consensus standards developed with its international membership of volunteer technical experts and innovative services to improve lives.
 
Founded in 1866 as a steam boiler inspection association, the TÜV SÜD Group has evolved into a global enterprise. More than 24,000 employees work at over 1,000 locations in about 50 countries to continually improve technology, systems and expertise. They contribute significantly to making technical innovations such as Industry 4.0, autonomous driving and renewable energy safe and reliable.