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(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published a new recommendation, Rec.186, that meets the need for a standardised approach to integrating Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing,
the AM process, including part design, feedstock selection, AM processes, post-processing, and inspection/testing. By incorporating recognized international standards such as ISO/ASTM 52900 and AWS D20.1, it aligns AM technology with existing Unified Requirements, particularly UR W for materials and welding, ensuring equivalent reliability and safety.
To facilitate the safe and effective adoption of AM in the marine sector, the recommendation outlines the following key areas:
- Scope of AM Process:The recommendation covers Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and Binder Jetting (BJT), with detailed process-specific parameters.
- Criticality Levels and Testing:Introduces tiered testing levels (AM Levels 1-3) for class and certified items, enabling customised testing based on application criticality.
- Feedstock and Material Standards:Specifies rigorous qualification processes for AM feedstocks, including powder, wire, and binder feedstocks, including recycling protocols for sustainability.
- Part Design and Qualification:Includes innovative provisions for design optimisation, topology adjustment, and pre-build simulation to ensure robust performance under marine conditions.
- Inspection and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):Addresses anisotropic properties and potential imperfections (e.g., porosity, lack of fusion) through advanced NDT methods like CT scans.
Rec. 186 establishes a robust verification and certification framework, ensuring the safe and effective use of AM technology in critical marine contexts. Moving forward, IACS will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to expand the application of AM in safety-critical marine components. By encouraging shipyards, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and vessel operators to adopt AM, it paves the way for innovation in shipbuilding and offshore engineering, marking a pivotal step in the safe and standardized adoption of additive manufacturing.
For more information, download below the IACS Recommendation on 3D Printing for Marine and Offshore Applications (No.186):
Source: IACS
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