A new ASTM International standard will help manufacturers and buyers who want to use 3D printing to produce parts made of stainless steel alloys. This new specification describes chemical and mechanical requirementsas well as other propertiesof additively manufactured parts made from 316L (UNS 31603), which is a widely used grade of stainless steel.
ASTM International is an international standards organization based in Pennsylvania, US. “Among the companies that will find the standard most useful are manufacturers willing to replace cast or wrought 316L parts and components, especially those with complex geometries, high inventory costs or long lead times,” says ASTM member Dr. Amir Farzadfar.