ASML, a Dutch producer of photolithography methods utilized in superior semiconductor fabrication, has accomplished what it calls the world’s first certified additive manufacturing (AM) provide chain for the semiconductor business. The trouble centered on auditing suppliers to satisfy ISO/ASTM 52920 and ASML’s personal guideline doc, GSA-02-0001. Suppliers usually accomplished the qualification course of—consisting of audits, studies, and certificates—inside a 4 to ten-month timeline. The objective was to cut back course of variables affecting high quality, enhance reproducibility, and set up a manufacturing course of centered on reliability for Class 3 vital parts.
Inside a couple of months, ASML developed and applied a complete audit and qualification scheme for AM suppliers. The foundational doc, titled ASML AM GSA, integrates ISO/ASTM requirements to make sure reproducibility in AM part manufacturing. The Certified AM GmbH staff carried out in-depth audits of ASML’s provider community, with a high-over deal with the AM manufacturing course of. The audits coated the AM course of class powder mattress fusion utilizing laser beam melting (PBF/LB-M), utilized throughout methods from a number of machine producers.
Supplies included within the scope had been titanium alloy Ti6Al4V and stainless-steel 316L, with audits evaluating related course of parameters and staff competencies. This system aimed to fulfill ISO/ASTM 52920, ASML AM GSA, and readiness ranges for different related ISO/ASTM requirements.
ASML acknowledges the numerous potential of AM but additionally identifies high quality variations amongst provide chain companions as a vital problem. These variations outcome from the usage of completely different AM methods, supplies, parameter units, and human interactions. Standardizing these variables fashioned the core rationale for the qualification initiative. The QAM staff carried out AM process-specific failure mode assessments and challenged suppliers to refine threat definitions utilizing skilled enter. The central purpose was to cut back course of variables that impression the reproducibility of the method output.
The qualification scope instantly impacts the manufacturability of extremely vital Class 3 parts utilized in semiconductor methods. The audited “threat qualification and validation” service competence was proven to considerably impression the profitable implementation of those elements. Evaluations additionally included manufacturability assessments designed to confirm whether or not suppliers may reliably produce parts below strict semiconductor-grade necessities. Certified AM GmbH labored intently with suppliers to problem and enhance their outlined failure modes for threat assessments.
Audit outcomes had been mapped to a complete set of requirements, together with ISO/ASTM 52920:2023, DIN EN ISO/ASTM 52907:2019, DIN CEN ISO/ASTM/TS 52930:2021, ISO/ASTM DIS 52928, DIN EN ISO/ASTM 52901:2018, and DIN EN ISO/ASTM 52904:2019. Documentation included QualifiedAM audit studies and certificates confirming provider readiness. This system demonstrates that the complete AM provider community was audited with the principle objective to cut back course of variables that impression reproducibility, setting a benchmark for standardized AM manufacturing inside high-risk industries like semiconductor manufacturing.
Current Initiatives Reinforce Certification and Standardization in Additive Manufacturing
In a transfer to institutionalize superior manufacturing qualification, Sicnova launched CEDAEC—the primary Spanish middle devoted to certifying parts for navy and protection purposes—early in 2025. The power, created in partnership with Spain’s Ministry of Protection, is provided with metallic and polymer 3D printing methods, high-precision inspection instruments, and non-destructive testing applied sciences, together with considered one of Europe’s most superior tomographs. The middle’s objective is to modernize logistics and guarantee part reliability in strategic purposes, utilizing certification as a device to streamline manufacturing and mitigate obsolescence in protection provide chains.
In the meantime, AddUp, a 3D printing expertise developer, grew to become the primary OEM to obtain ASTM’s Additive Manufacturing Security Certification in 2024. The milestone adopted an in depth audit by the Security Tools Institute (SEI), which assessed vital security areas reminiscent of powder dealing with, PPE utilization, machine grounding, and unsafe waste administration. Working with ASTM Worldwide’s Additive Manufacturing Middle of Excellence, AddUp contributed to the event of formal security protocols for AM amenities, establishing a standardized framework that continues to affect certification processes throughout the business.
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Featured picture showcase the company headquarters of ASML. Photograph by way of ASML.