AddUp Becomes First OEM to Achieve ASTM Additive Manufacturing Safety Certification

New certification sets industry standard for safety in additive manufacturing operations

Pioneering Safety in Additive Manufacturing
AddUp, a leading additive manufacturing (AM) company headquartered in Cébazat, France, has announced that its North American subsidiary in Cincinnati, Ohio, has become the first OEM to receive the newly established ASTM Additive Manufacturing Safety (AMS) certification. This achievement is a milestone for the AM industry, as AddUp has worked closely with ASTM International to develop safety protocols and guidelines that ensure safe operation in AM facilities.

Austin Kron, Director of Operations & Field Service at AddUp, explained the company’s role in the initiative, stating, “When we set up our own AM facility, we realized there were no clear standards for the industry. We wanted to help create a roadmap for others, showing how to do it safely and effectively. We take pride in being the gold standard for AM safety.”

Comprehensive Safety Audit and Certification Process
The AMS certification process involved a detailed audit of AddUp’s AM facility, focusing on critical safety measures such as personal protective equipment (PPE), machine installation, powder handling, hazardous waste disposal, and facility cleanliness. The certification was conducted by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) as the first-ever audit for this new safety standard.

AddUp’s team worked closely with SEI auditors to ensure that all safety protocols were met and understood. This collaborative effort not only helped meet the certification requirements but also provided valuable feedback on the safety measures necessary for safe AM operations.

AddUp’s Solution Center Serves as Model Facility
The AddUp Solution Center, established in 2021 in Cincinnati, served as the model facility for the AMS audit. Equipped with Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) machines, as well as a metallurgical lab, the center has been designed with safety at the forefront. It includes static control measures, fire suppression systems, dust cloud mitigation, air quality controls, and extensive employee training protocols.

In addition to its role as a demonstration and training facility, the Solution Center provides AM services, consulting, and training to customers, while ensuring that it meets ISO 9001, AS 9001 certification, and ITAR and CMMC compliance. The center’s design ensures a safe working environment for both employees and visitors.

Leadership in AM Safety and Consulting Services
AddUp’s commitment to AM safety extends beyond its own operations. Through its LevelUp Service Solutions program, the company offers consulting services to other manufacturers looking to establish their own AM facilities. This program ensures that companies meet the gold standard for safety and efficiency in additive manufacturing, further reinforcing AddUp’s leadership in the industry.

Paul Bates, Senior Lead, Training and Certification Programs at ASTM International AM CoE, praised AddUp’s commitment to safety, stating, “AddUp has set a new standard for AM safety, and we are grateful for their dedication to advancing the industry.”