Overview
ISO 17296-2:2015 - "Additive manufacturing - General principles - Part 2: Overview of process categories and feedstock" provides a high‑level description of the fundamental process principles used in additive manufacturing (AM). It groups commercially proven AM technologies into process categories, explains how different feedstock types are used to form part geometry, and describes overarching principles that guide later, more detailed standards. The document does not set specific material or part performance requirements - those are addressed in subsequent, feedstock/process‑specific standards.
Key topics
- AM process categories: Seven basic categories are defined and explained:
- Vat photopolymerization - liquid photopolymers cured by light (typically UV).
- Material jetting - droplets of build material selectively deposited (photopolymers or waxes).
- Binder jetting - liquid binder selectively joins powder beds (powders + bonding agent).
- Powder bed fusion - thermal energy fuses powder regions (polymers, metals, ceramics).
- Material extrusion - material extruded through a nozzle (filament or paste; thermoplastics, ceramics).
- Directed energy deposition - focused thermal energy melts material as it is deposited (powder or wire; typically metals).
- Sheet lamination - stacked and joined sheets (described in the standard as an existing category).
- Feedstock types and binding mechanisms: The standard links each category to typical feedstock (liquid, powder, filament, wire, sheet) and to common binding/activation methods (chemical curing, thermal fusion, melting/solidification).
- Process chains: Distinguishes single‑step (geometry and basic properties in one operation) from multi‑step processes (geometry first, consolidation later) and notes typical post‑processing needs (support removal, heat treatment, surface finishing).
- Part classification: Introduces the concept of part classes (from high to low requirements for quality and traceability) - further details are left to later standards.
Applications and users
ISO 17296-2:2015 is practical for:
- Design engineers and product developers selecting AM technologies and feedstock for prototypes, tooling, or end‑use parts.
- Materials scientists and process engineers comparing feedstock/process families (powder, filament, photopolymer, wire).
- Procurement, quality, and regulatory professionals needing a standardized overview to specify requirements with suppliers.
- Manufacturers and service bureaus communicating capabilities and limitations of AM process categories.
- Educators and researchers teaching AM fundamentals and technology landscapes.
Typical applications covered include prototyping, tooling, and production of functional end‑use parts across industries such as aerospace, medical, automotive, architecture, and consumer products.
Related standards
- ISO 17296‑1 - Terminology (normative reference)
- Other parts of the ISO 17296 series cover test methods, data processing, and detailed feedstock/process specifications to be used in conjunction with ISO 17296‑2.
Keywords: ISO 17296-2:2015, additive manufacturing, AM process categories, feedstock, powder bed fusion, vat photopolymerization, binder jetting, material extrusion, directed energy deposition.
Open preview (PDF)Additive manufacturing — General principles — Part 2: Overview of process categories and feedstock
