The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) recently published an updated standard—based in large part on research by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—that includes language specifically for additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing). ASME’s standard, titled Y14.46 Product Definition for Additive Manufacturing, identifies important features unique to 3D printing and outlines how they should be documented.
Since the 1940s, engineers have used a common design language (i.e., a set of definitions, symbols, and practices) to draft engineering drawings that can serve as clear manufacturing blueprints or inspection checklists. While this system still works well for many traditional manufacturing methods, it has not equipped engineers to produce clear and consistent design documents for additive manufacturing. This absence of standard methods of communication leaves room for information about 3D-printing designs to be lost in translation.