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 trade. The trouble targeted on auditing suppliers to satisfy ISO/ASTM 52920 and ASML’s personal guideline doc, GSA-02-0001. Suppliers sometimes accomplished the qualification course of—consisting of audits, reviews, and certificates—inside a 4 to ten-month timeline. The aim was to scale back course of variables affecting high quality, enhance reproducibility, and set up a manufacturing course of targeted on reliability for Class 3 essential elements.
Inside a couple of months, ASML developed and carried out 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 element manufacturing. The Certified AM GmbH crew carried out in-depth audits of ASML’s provider community, with a high-over concentrate on the AM manufacturing course of. The audits lined 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 have been titanium alloy Ti6Al4V and chrome steel 316L, with audits evaluating related course of parameters and crew 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 in addition identifies high quality variations amongst provide chain companions as a essential problem. These variations outcome from using totally different AM methods, supplies, parameter units, and human interactions. Standardizing these variables fashioned the core rationale for the qualification initiative. The QAM crew carried out AM process-specific failure mode assessments and challenged suppliers to refine danger definitions utilizing skilled enter. The central goal was to scale back course of variables that influence the reproducibility of the method output.
The qualification scope instantly impacts the manufacturability of extremely essential Class 3 elements utilized in semiconductor methods. The audited “danger qualification and validation” service competence was proven to considerably influence the profitable implementation of those components. Evaluations additionally included manufacturability assessments designed to confirm whether or not suppliers might reliably produce elements below strict semiconductor-grade necessities. Certified AM GmbH labored intently with suppliers to problem and enhance their outlined failure modes for danger assessments.
Audit outcomes have 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 reviews and certificates confirming provider readiness. This system demonstrates that your entire AM provider community was audited with the primary aim to scale back course of variables that influence reproducibility, setting a benchmark for standardized AM manufacturing inside high-risk industries like semiconductor manufacturing.
Latest 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 elements for army and protection purposes—early in 2025. The ability, created in partnership with Spain’s Ministry of Protection, is supplied with metallic and polymer 3D printing methods, high-precision inspection instruments, and non-destructive testing applied sciences, together with one in every of Europe’s most superior tomographs. The middle’s aim is to modernize logistics and guarantee element reliability in strategic purposes, utilizing certification as a software to streamline manufacturing and mitigate obsolescence in protection provide chains.
In the meantime, AddUp, a 3D printing know-how 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 essential security areas similar to powder dealing with, PPE utilization, machine grounding, and unsafe waste administration. Working with ASTM Worldwide’s Additive Manufacturing Heart of Excellence, AddUp contributed to the event of formal security protocols for AM services, establishing a standardized framework that continues to affect certification processes throughout the trade.
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Featured picture showcase the company headquarters of ASML. Picture through ASML.
