Overview
EN ISO 17295:2023 - Additive manufacturing: Part positioning, coordinates and orientation (ISO 17295:2023) defines a standardized method to describe how parts are located and oriented in additive manufacturing (AM) build volumes. It specifies coordinate systems, bounding boxes, initial build orientation and notation for orthogonal orientations to ensure consistent reporting and reproducibility across AM users, producers, researchers, educators and the media. The standard is aligned with the principles of ISO 841 and references terminology in ISO/ASTM 52900.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Machine coordinate systems - Illustrates 3‑D Cartesian coordinate systems for common AM machines, including differences for upward and downward Z‑positive build directions.
- Axes of rotation - Defines the rule for positive rotation axes (A, B, C) consistent with right‑hand screw convention.
- Bounding box - Describes part bounding boxes and distinctions between machine‑aligned, part‑aligned, and arbitrarily oriented bounding boxes for clear geometric description.
- Initial build orientation - Specifies how the orientation of a part when first placed in the build volume should be represented.
- Orthogonal orientation notation - Provides a notation system and abbreviations for describing orthogonal orientations and bilateral symmetry.
- Representation of part location and reorientation - Gives methods to document part placement and any subsequent reorientation during testing or processing.
- Normative references - Requires use of ISO 841 for coordinate/motion nomenclature and ISO/ASTM 52900 for AM vocabulary.
Practical applications
This standard is intended to improve clarity, repeatability and comparability of AM results by standardizing how part position and orientation are reported. Typical uses include:
- Test and qualification reports for mechanical, thermal or dimensional testing of AM parts.
- Build preparation and documentation by AM machine manufacturers and service bureaus.
- Research papers and inter‑laboratory studies where orientation affects material properties, surface finish or support needs.
- Educational materials and media coverage to reduce ambiguity when describing how parts were printed.
- Quality control, traceability and process documentation in regulated industries using AM.
Who should use it
- AM equipment manufacturers and software developers (build preparation tools)
- Materials and process researchers
- Test laboratories and certification bodies
- AM service providers and production shops
- Educators, technical writers and journalists reporting AM test results
Related standards
- ISO 841 - Coordinate system and motion nomenclature (basis for axis rules)
- ISO/ASTM 52900 - Additive manufacturing vocabulary and fundamentals
- EN ISO 17295:2023 is the CEN‑adopted European version of ISO 17295:2023
Keywords: additive manufacturing, part positioning, coordinates, orientation, ISO 17295, build orientation, bounding box, machine coordinate system, AM testing.
