Figure
6.1
Qualification involves evaluating a manufacturer’s ability to undertake each step in the part or system creation process. This becomes even more complex when two or more processes are involved in the creation of a part. This hybrid additive manufacturing system combines 3D printing with compression molding. It is capable of producing parts made of one material as well as building multiple materials, such as interconnected metals and polymers. But before such builds are done at production scale and pace, the machine, the build processes, the personnel, and the testing approaches all must be evaluated and qualified as effective and up to standard. (credit: Modification of “Additive Manufacturing Compression Molding System” by Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Flickr, CC BY 2.0).
Chapter Outline
Like certification, qualification can apply to a wide variety of activities, ranging from a very high level (a factory is qualified to make AM hardware) to a very low level (a part is qualified for production). While each of these qualifications apply to different aspects of producing AM hardware, in the end, each of them points to the ability to repeatedly make hardware that meets the engineering requirements and will perform as expected in service.