3D metal printing and the ASME code
3D metal printing and the ASME code
(OP)
Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with using 3D metal printed parts in ASME B31.3 or Section VIII Division 1 work? Are there any special requirements regarding qualifying the material and allowable stress values? I'm trying to find any information but can't seem to find any.
I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with using 3D metal printed parts in ASME B31.3 or Section VIII Division 1 work? Are there any special requirements regarding qualifying the material and allowable stress values? I'm trying to find any information but can't seem to find any.





RE: 3D metal printing and the ASME code
The question is how do you qualify the material. I know with some of the 3D printed plastic materials, there can be marked differences in material strength in different directions depending on how the layers are deposited (comparable to lamination). How would this be handled in ASME? Would the material be compared to a casting with the strength defined by the lowest strength direction? Would the output of the machine have to be mechanically tested on a regular basis to ensure consistent properties over time; or taken a little further, would every print have to have a run-off of some sort that would need to be sent for mechanical testing?
I remember talking to an AI a while back when it came to a weld repair and he stated that "we don't want to be building a vessel out of weld metal" (long story here). Well, some of the 3D printing technologies for metals look an awful lot like welding machines, I wonder how this will be perceived.
Anyway, I am also very interested to see how this technology is adopted.
RE: 3D metal printing and the ASME code
RE: 3D metal printing and the ASME code
However, be assured that at the highest levels (I was talking last week with both the current and immediate past President of ASME), there is a concerted effort to understand the impact of AM and pressure technology. If anyone has a specific interest in this topic, may I suggest that you get involved. (If anyone has a specific interest to be involved as a volunteer in this topic and doesn't know where to start in the vast world that is ASME, please click on my name, and my contact information will be there. I will try to hook you up with the appropriate people.)
RE: 3D metal printing and the ASME code
Do you have the code case number or a pdf copy of it? Was it for B31.1?
TGS4:
I will send you an email to hopefully get in contact with the right people!
RE: 3D metal printing and the ASME code