24/01/2019
Dr. Michael Nitsche (BAM), Dr. Frank Wohnsland (VDMA), Prof. Dr. Kai Hilgenberg (BAM) on the sidelines of the round table discussion in Frankfurt/Main (from left to right)

Dr. Michael Nitsche (BAM), Dr. Frank Wohnsland (VDMA), Prof. Dr. Kai Hilgenberg (BAM) on the sidelines of the round table discussion in Frankfurt/Main (from left to right)

Source: BAM/Department Qualitiy Infrastructure

How can components such as pressure vessels or valves be manufactured by 3D printing so they can be safely used in process plants? An important step in the application of such components in practice is the development of standards for manufacturing and testing. During an expert discussion on the 22 January 2019 in Frankfurt/Main, experts from industry, research, standardisation bodies and certification bodies compared notes on the topic. BAM has already organised the “round table” for the third time. The objective of the meetings is to discuss the current state of knowledge and to use it for the development of standards.

Through 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, components such as pipes, valves or small pressure vessels can be produced from metallic materials. The advantage: manufacturing is tailored to the exact requirement and as a consequence faster and more cost effective than conventional methods.

These components are used in process plants and operate under extreme pressure. Hence, they must fulfil the requirements of the European Pressure Equipment Directive. However, to date, there are neither regulations nor standards for the manufacture and testing of additive manufacturing pressure equipment.

BAM is organising regular expert discussions

In order to further the development of standards for the additive manufacturing of pressure equipment, BAM has been organising round table discussions with experts from industry, research institutes, standardisation bodies and certification bodies since 2018.

The additive manufacturing (AM) with metal materials is among the young process technologies. This explains the central questions posed by the expert panels: “We are discussing how - despite the still limited experience with safety-related metallic AM components - robust standards can be developed which meet the requirements of the EU Pressure Equipment Directive,” explains Dr. Michael Nitsche, director of the Quality Infrastructure department.

In addition to their interdisciplinary expertise in the areas of materials engineering, non-destructive testing and component safety, BAM scientists also bring long-standing experience with standardisation to the round-table discussions.

Next step: Establishment of a DIN task force

On 23 January 2019 the German Institute for Standardisation (DIN) created a task force on the topic of “additive manufactured components under the Pressure Equipment Directive". Represented by Prof. Dr. Kai Hilgenberg, BAM is also involved in this committee.

Overall, it can be observed that the standardisation of additive manufacturing processes is progressing rapidly. This can be seen in the annually increasing number of draft standards. BAM scientists are also working in further German and international standardisation bodies relating to additive manufacturing.

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