EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies the methods, parameter sets and models to develop and utilize a data package for a part created using AM technologies (AM part). This document is applicable to the information requirements associated with workflow of the fabrication of an AM part, from design to acceptance. Peripheral information related to entities such as organization, facility, operator, security, and others is addressed for sake of completeness; but is not the focus of this document and can be defined elsewhere. This document provides the means to develop an organizational or application-specific data package for the communication between and amongst the designer, the manufacturer, and all acceptance authorities, among other potential stakeholders.; This document does not impose a plan of execution to produce an AM part, though a digital thread is provided to establish a referenceable information workflow.; The requirements set forth in this document are based on the fabrication of a part using the PBF-LB/M (powder bed fusion-laser based/metal) process. While specific details directly relate to PBF-LB/M, generalized workflow requirements can be related to any AM process.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 07-Jul-2026
• ICS: 25.030 - Additive manufacturing
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 438 - Additive Manufacturing
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 438 - Additive Manufacturing
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 08-Jul-2026
• Due Date: 28-Jul-2027
• Completion Date: 08-Jul-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 - Additive manufacturing - Data - Data packages for AM parts (ISO/ASTM 52951:2026)

• Refers: ISO/ASTM 52900:2021 - Additive manufacturing — General principles — Fundamentals and vocabulary
• Effective Date: 22-Jul-2026
• Consolidated By: ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 - Additive manufacturing — Data — Data packages for AM parts
• Effective Date: 12-Feb-2026

EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 is the CEN standard for data packages for AM parts. It specifies methods, parameter sets and models for creating and using a data package for an additively manufactured part, from design through acceptance, so designers, manufacturers and acceptance authorities can exchange the same part information.

EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 is built around additive manufacturing (AM) workflow data and configuration management. Its detailed requirements are based on the powder bed fusion - laser based/metal (PBF-LB/M) process, but the workflow approach is intended to apply across AM processes.

What does EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 specify?

EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 specifies how to develop an organizational or application-specific data package for an AM part, and how to use that package to communicate requirements between the designer, manufacturer and acceptance authorities. The document is about information flow for the part life cycle, not about prescribing one fixed production plan.

The scope covers the workflow from design to acceptance. It includes peripheral information such as organization, facility, operator and security where needed for completeness, but keeps the focus on part-related data.

The document is organized around a method for building a data package, general requirements, feedstock material requirements, part requirements, inspection requirements, end delivery requirements, module configurations, and a template for communicating the chosen package.

Annex	What it covers
Annex A	Design and production data package guidance, including TIDDP levels and production data package levels
Annex B	Data security considerations for part data, process parameters, contractual controls and digital investigation
Annex C	Configuration management examples for digital twins, data types, file formats and change control

What are the key requirements of EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026?

EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 asks an organization to build the data package in a controlled way, choose the right level of detail for the scenario, and keep that information traceable across the whole AM workflow. In practice, the standard is about deciding what data must be communicated, how specific it must be, and how changes are controlled.

How is a data package developed?

Clause 5 sets out a five-step method:

• identify the application scenario and the associated requirements
• choose modules for the data package
• set the level of specificity
• establish configuration management
• create the data package

This matters because the standard is modular. You do not apply every data item in every case; you select the package that fits the part, the use case and the stakeholder needs.

Clause 5.2 groups data package use into acquisition, manufacture in house and verification only. It also distinguishes prototype, new part and existing part, and expeditionary, developmental and production maturity. That helps a buyer and supplier agree whether they need full process history, only acceptance data, or something in between.

How does the standard control detail and traceability?

Clause 5.4 uses low, medium and high control. High control means more explicit part, process and inspection data; low control leaves more implementation to the performer. The table in this clause also links control to part criticality and performer capability, which is practical for deciding how much instruction to put into a purchase specification or manufacturing package.

Clause 5.5 requires configuration management practices. The plan needs to define allowable representations, formats and configurations, and it must support configuration identification, control, status accounting, verification and audit. This matters because AM data often moves through multiple digital forms, and uncontrolled format changes can alter design intent.

What general, material and security data are needed?

Clauses 6 and 7 cover the data that supports production qualification and feedstock control. Facility qualification data include the manufacturing sequence, qualification and management requirements, build parameter validation data and control system software. Machine qualification data include the manufacturer and model, build volume, software version, maintenance, calibration and monitoring equipment.

Clause 6 also adds security considerations. The document addresses sabotage prevention, counterfeit validation and traceability, so the data package can support integrity as well as quality.

Clauses 7.2 to 7.4 cover material handling, storage, feedstock data and material specifications. The practical effect is that the package has to show what material was used, how it was stored and handled, and what characterization data or allowable specification applies.

What workflow data are required for the part itself?

Clause 8 follows the AM workflow through design, pre-process, build and post-process stages. The design stage covers the authoritative 3D model, geometry optimization, format conversion and manufacturability data such as feature limits and surface treatments.

The pre-process stages separate machine-independent planning from machine-dependent planning. That means the package can capture orientation, support structures, slicing, scan paths, process parameters and monitoring strategy at the right point in the workflow.

Build-process data cover powder layer creation, powder fusion, in-process monitoring and powder reconditioning. Post-process data cover support removal, thermal treatment, machining and surface improvement. In practice, these clauses capture the settings and records that make the final part reproducible and reviewable.

What does the standard require for inspection and delivery?

Clause 9 requires inspection data for geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), surface roughness, non-destructive evaluation, microstructure and part properties. That matters because acceptance is not only about visual inspection - it is about documented evidence that the part meets design intent.

Clause 10 adds delivery data such as delivery instructions, handling instructions, disposal instructions and witness specimen delivery. This is the last step in making the package usable by the receiving organization.

What terms does EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 define?

• AM data package - the set of information associated with an AM part, based on selected data package requirements and aligned with configuration management.
• AM digital thread - the digital part of the design-to-product workflow for an AM part.
• AM workflow - the process used to realize the design-to-product transformation of an AM part, including acceptance procedures.
• AM workflow stage - a specific sub-process within the larger AM workflow, such as design or post-process.
• Configuration - the descriptive and governing characteristics of an item, expressed in functional and physical terms.
• Configuration management - the process for keeping a product’s performance, functional and physical attributes consistent with its requirements and operational information over its life.
• Digital provenance - the data and information that provide the history of design, fabrication, processing, testing and acceptance of an AM part.

Who uses EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026?

EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 is used by AM designers, manufacturers, procurement teams, quality managers and acceptance authorities who need a shared part data package. It is also relevant to facility managers, machine and material specialists, inspectors and security or traceability teams.

In practice, these roles use the standard to define what information must be supplied with a part, how much process detail is needed, what records to keep, and how to review or accept an AM part with confidence in its digital history.

Which standards are used with EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026?

EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 normatively references ISO/ASTM 52900, which provides the general principles, fundamentals and vocabulary for AM.

The document also uses many supporting standards in specific tables and clauses, including:

• ISO/ASTM 52920 for overall manufacturing sequence and material handling/storage guidance
• ISO/ASTM 52907 for material handling, storage and material supplier data
• ISO/ASTM 52904 for quality control plans, process data and build monitoring
• ISO/ASTM 52901 for customer, user and delivery information
• ISO/ASTM 52921 for part orientation and coordinate system information
• ISO/ASTM 52910, ISO/ASTM 52911-1 and ISO/ASTM 52911-3 for design and support-related data
• ISO/ASTM 52930, ISO/ASTM 52941, SAE AMS7003A and SAE AMS7032 for machine and process identification
• ISO 14649-17 for slicing and process-planning data
• ASTM F3605 for monitored build data
• ASTM E3166 for metrology and non-destructive evaluation methods
• ASTM F3122 for part-property testing
• ISO/ASTM 52908 for post-processing and support removal
• ASTM F3301 for heat treatment
• ASME Y14.46 and ASME Y14.100 for AM product definition and drawing practice

What does the EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 document contain?

EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 contains a five-step method for building a data package, a reference AM workflow based on IDEF0, and stage-by-stage data requirements from design through delivery. It also includes control matrices and module configurations for acquisition, manufacture in house and verification only.

The document’s tables cover facility, machine, security, feedstock, part, inspection and delivery data. They also show how low, medium and high control affect the amount of information required.

Annex A adds guidance for design and production data packages, including TIDDP levels and production data package levels. Annex B gives security guidance for encryption, integrity, contractual controls, watermarking and forensic traceability. Annex C gives worked examples of configuration management, file formats and transformation between data packages across the AM workflow.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2026
Dodajalna izdelava - Podatki - Proizvodni podatki za izdelke, izdelane z dodajalno
izdelavo (ISO/ASTM 52951:2026)
Additive manufacturing - Data - Data packages for AM parts (ISO/ASTM 52951:2026)
Additive Fertigung - Daten - Datenpakete für additiv gefertigte Teile (ISO/ASTM
52951:2026)
Fabrication additive - Données - Paquets de données pour pièces de FA (ISO/ASTM
52951:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026
ICS:
25.030 3D-tiskanje Additive manufacturing
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO/ASTM 52951
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
July 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 25.030
English Version
Additive manufacturing - Data - Data packages for AM
parts (ISO/ASTM 52951:2026)
Fabrication additive - Données - Paquets de données Additive Fertigung - Daten - Datenpakete für additiv
pour pièces de FA (ISO/ASTM 52951:2026) gefertigte Teile (ISO/ASTM 52951:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 2 July 2026.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 261
"Additive manufacturing" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 438 “Additive
Manufacturing” the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2027, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by January 2027.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO/ASTM 52951:2026 without
any modification.
International
Standard
ISO/ASTM 52951
First edition
Additive manufacturing — Data —
2026-06
Data packages for AM parts
Fabrication additive — Données — Paquets de données pour
pièces de FA
Reference number
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en) © ISO/ASTM International 2026

ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
© ISO/ASTM International 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
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© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
ii
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Significance and use . 2
5 Method for data package development . 3
5.1 General .3
5.2 Identifying the application scenario and associated data package requirements .3
5.3 Using modules for data package configuration .4
5.4 Determining level of specificity by setting requirements control .5
5.5 Establishing configuration management practices .6
5.6 Creating a data package .8
6 General requirements . 9
6.1 Production qualification .9
6.1.1 Facility qualification .9
6.1.2 Machine qualifications .9
6.2 Security considerations .10
6.2.1 General .10
6.2.2 Prevention of part sabotage .10
6.2.3 Validation that part is not counterfeit .11
6.2.4 Data traceability . 12
6.3 Quality control plan . 12
6.4 Customer information . 12
6.5 User information . 12
7 Feedstock material requirements .13
7.1 General . 13
7.2 Material handling and storage . 13
7.3 Material data (Feedstock) . 13
7.4 Material data (Specification or allowable) .14
8 Part requirements . . 14
8.1 Reference AM workflow and digital thread .14
8.2 AM workflow by stages . 15
8.2.1 General . 15
8.2.2 AM design .16
8.2.3 Pre-process (machine independent) .18
8.2.4 Pre-process (machine dependent) . 20
8.2.5 Build process . 23
8.2.6 Post process . 25
9 Inspection requirements .28
10 End delivery requirements .31
11 Configuration of data package modules .31
11.1 Acquisition configuration .31
11.2 Manufacture in house .32
11.3 Verification only . 33
12 Data package requirements template . .34
Annex A (informative) Design and production data package guidance .35
Annex B (informative) Data security considerations .37

© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
iii
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
Annex C (informative) Configuration management examples .42
Bibliography .49

© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
iv
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 261, Additive manufacturing, in cooperation
with ASTM Committee F42, Additive Manufacturing Technologies, on the basis of a partnership agreement
between ISO and ASTM International with the aim to create a common set of ISO/ASTM standards on
additive manufacturing, and in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
Technical Committee CEN/TC 438, Additive manufacturing, in accordance with the Agreement on technical
cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
v
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
Introduction
Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes follow many of the same manufacturing steps observed in more
“traditional” manufacturing processes, from design to manufacture to inspection. As an advanced
manufacturing process, AM introduces additional complexities to those steps within an AM workflow
(illustrated in Figure 1). AM-specific information is necessary to specify, verify, and archive data related to
parts that are manufactured using AM technologies. Key information associated with those steps includes
relevant facility, operator, machine, process, material, postprocess, inspection and other information (see
ASTM F3490).
[1]
Figure 1 — Illustrative additive manufacturing workflow
This document is developed on the premise that an overarching digital thread can represent the workflow
of a part fabricated using an AM process, such as shown in Figure 1. This digital thread is comprised of
the information requirements derived from various stages of fabrication, including design, manufacture,
and inspection. By identifying and selecting specific information requirements from the digital thread (see
Figure 2), a data package for a specific part can be developed for a specific application or scenario associated
with each individual stage of the workflow. Data packages serve to provide an organization with a means to
specify and organize part information requirements specific to a given application or scenario.
[1]
Figure 2 — Illustrative information requirements associated with data package development

© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
vi
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
This document establishes a system to maximize an organization’s flexibility when determining its data
package requirements for various scenarios. The modularization of information requirements and their
level of specificity supports the general, broad adoption of this document while also supporting specific
organization needs and scenario requirements. In this sense, this document establishes principles for
modular, multi-tiered information requirements to support the development of data packages for various
scenarios with varying levels of control. Configuration management practices are used to identify acceptable
representations, including file formats and file types, for given data package requirements.
To support part acceptance, this document establishes general principles for data package requirements,
that, working in concert with data structure and configuration management, can be used to create a digital
representation, or a “digital twin” of an additively manufactured part. A digital twin (see Figure 3) is
developed by addressing the requirements of this document for a specific part and application scenario.
Figure 3 — The data package concept is central to the curation of additive manufacturing
information
In transitioning from a design to a manufactured part, the AM digital thread progresses through many
digital representations including: CAD design, simulation, tessellated geometry, sliced geometry, build file,
part with build data and part with evaluation data. At each of these stages, the digital provenance of the
part is evolving, with its digital twin maturing from the generation of new data at every stage. As a digital
representation of the intended physical counterpart, the digital twin provides important insight into the
state of the part through its design to product transformation. When accepting a final part, it is important
to have confidence in the processes used in the fabrication of the part, since differences in implementation
can mean different parts. The digital twin provides an important resource from which confidence can be
gained but can create its own uncertainty if not well-defined and well-understood, with the requirements
identified in the data package.
Clause 4 outlines the general procedure to be followed for an organization to develop a customized data
package, from identifying information requirements to adopting configuration management practices.
Clauses 5 to 10 outline the data requirements across the AM workflow. Clause 11 provides the specific
configurations to meet specified organizational requirements.
Key concepts used and discussed in this document include data package, data package requirement, digital
thread, digital twin, modular components, configurability, configuration management, capability (e.g.
software, equipment, facility, operator) and criticality (part or application).

© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
vii
International Standard ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
Additive manufacturing — Data — Data packages for AM
parts
1 Scope
This document specifies the methods, parameter sets and models to develop and utilize a data package for a
part created using AM technologies (AM part). This document is applicable to the information requirements
associated with workflow of the fabrication of an AM part, from design to acceptance. Peripheral
information related to entities such as organization, facility, operator, security, and others is addressed for
sake of completeness; but is not the focus of this document and can be defined elsewhere. This document
provides the means to develop an organizational or application-specific data package for the communication
between and amongst the designer, the manufacturer, and all acceptance authorities, among other potential
stakeholders.
This document does not impose a plan of execution to produce an AM part, though a digital thread is
provided to establish a referenceable information workflow.
The requirements set forth in this document are based on the fabrication of a part using the PBF-LB/M
(powder bed fusion-laser based/metal) process. While specific details directly relate to PBF-LB/M,
generalized workflow requirements can be related to any AM process.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/ASTM 52900, Additive manufacturing — General principles — Fundamentals and vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/ASTM 52900 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
AM data package, noun
set of information associated with an AM part, instantiated data package requirements that should confirm
established configuration management practices
3.2
AM digital thread, noun
digital component of the design to product transformation workflow of an AM part
3.3
AM workflow, noun
process applied to realize the design to product transformation of an AM part, including any acceptance
procedures
© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
3.4
AM workflow stage, noun
specific sub-process within the larger AM workflow (3.3) that aligns with an activity associated with the
production of an AM part
3.5
configuration, noun
collection of an item’s descriptive and governing characteristics that can be expressed in functional and
physical terms
Note 1 to entry: This represents the requirements, architecture, design and implementation that define the version of
the system and its components.
3.6
configuration management, noun
process for establishing and maintaining consistency of a product’s performance, functional and physical
attributes with its requirements, design and operational information throughout its life
3.7
digital provenance, noun
aggregation of data and information that can be used to provide the history of the design, fabrication,
processing, testing, and acceptance of an AM part
4 Significance and use
Part design, manufacture, inspection and procurement can be relatively complex when AM processes
are used. Complexities of AM processes can create variabilities in AM parts; therefore, the specification
of additional process and workflow information is desired at times. Variabilities in AM processes and
workflows create challenges in the common specification interpretations of AM processes. This document
provides the methods, supported by a reference workflow and information flow, on which AM parts can be
consistently specified and interpreted for part design, manufacture, inspection, and procurement.
Additive manufacturing workflows come in varying levels of complexity, and the processes can be controlled
and specified at varying levels of detail. When adopting AM processes, explicit communication is vital to
satisfy organization objectives. Data packages provide an organization with the means for communicating
details about a part or a design. Under-specification can lead to loss of fidelity in the fabrication of AM parts,
while overspecification can lead to improper execution by underqualified personnel. Identifying the correct
requirements at the proper level of specificity is essential to successful delivery and acquisition of AM parts.
This document establishes a system to facilitate the identification of individual and subsets of information
requirements across this workflow to communicate desired levels of provenance for a given application
or scenario. The information requirements set forth at each workflow stage are only imposed when a
specific data-package configuration has been called into place. An organization shall identify a specific data
package and configuration-management plan to specify how selected requirements are to be met for a given
application or scenario.
This document establishes the concept of modularity to support various scenarios in which a data package
can be required. The requirements put forth by individual modules may not be inclusive, and these modules
can be extended and adopted as the organization sees fit. Different combinations of modules can be
developed to satisfy various application scenarios as outlined in Clause 5. Different levels of control within
each set of requirements can be specified based on capabilities of relevant organizations and individuals, as
detailed in Clause 5 and Annex A.
This document supplements existing data package practices with AM-specific considerations and does
not support requirements that can be put in place by an organization for parts manufactured with other
manufacturing processes; nor does it replace other standards that can be used to satisfy data package
requirements of non-additively manufactured parts. This document will leverage and reference existing
standards where appropriate.
© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
This document gives guidance on the concept of a “digital twin” for completeness to relate the digital thread,
data packages, and configuration management. Digital twin is not a focus of this document, however, and
thus development of one is not required to meet outlined specifications. For a broader understanding of
digital twin concepts and related standards (e.g. ISO 23247 series and other standards under development
by ISO/TC 184/SC 4 and other committees), please refer to those respective standard documents.
5 Method for data package development
5.1 General
The method for creating an AM data package consists of 5 separate steps. This clause provides the necessary
guidance to create a customized data package to meet specific organizational or application requirements:
a) identifying application scenario and associated data package requirements;
b) using modules for data package configuration;
c) determining level of specificity by setting requirements control;
d) establishing configuration management practices;
e) creating a data package.
These steps are detailed in the following subclauses.
5.2 Identifying the application scenario and associated data package requirements
Depending on the scenario or application that a data package is being developed for, the requirements can
vary significantly. Therefore, the configuration of data packages will depend on the context for which they
are being developed. This context can be one of three data package application scenarios:
— Acquisition - this scenario occurs when an AM part is to be sourced from an outside party to meet a
pre-existing specification and the acquiring organization has a need to communicate specifics about the
design, fabrication, and testing of the AM part to the outside party.
— Manufacture in house - the scenario occurs when an AM part is to be fabricated within an organization
and communication between design, manufacture, testing, and acceptance is needed.
— Verification only - this scenario occurs when an AM part faces unique acceptance requirements (either
in house or external) but no further design or process communication is needed.
The three scenarios are further delineated based on the use history of the part to be fabricated:
— Prototype - this scenario occurs when a part is still progressing through design and manufacturing
iterations and final specifications have not yet been determined.
— New part- this scenario occurs when a fully documented version of the AM part does not exist, and the
part is being fabricated to specifications for the first time.
— Existing part - this scenario occurs when full specifications for the fabrication of an AM part exist, and
these specifications are to be used in fabrication of additional AM parts.
The three scenarios are further delineated based on the maturity of the part to be fabricated:
— Expeditionary - this scenario occurs when a part is being developed for individual or small use-case
scenarios.
— Developmental - this scenario occurs when an AM part has not yet reached full production status and
additional specifications are needed.

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ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
— Production - this scenario occurs when an AM part has fully matured into production status and any
implications associated with its fabrication are well understood and documented.
5.3 Using modules for data package configuration
Once the appropriate scenario has been chosen and effectively delineated, the information elements
associated with the scenario can be identified. These information elements, identified through appropriate
modules, determine what information will be required in the data package configuration.
11.1 provides suggested configurations of modules for each of the above scenarios in three separate
tables. Users of this document can choose to adopt a suggested configuration or simplify or expand on a
configuration. The final configuration of the data package requirements requires the user to identify the
specific modules to be satisfied (see Figure 4).
The data package requirements associated with each module are provided in Table 2 through Table 19.
How requirements are explicitly satisfied shall be agreed upon by involved parties, and levels of specificity
allows for adjustments of these requirements (high, medium or low). The provided requirements provide a
baseline for configurable data packages but are not meant to be inclusive. Additional requirements can be
added as needed.
Figure 4 — Configurable “blocks” of data within the AM workflow
(Highlighted spaces are examples of data package configurations (Adapted from Reference [2]))

© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
5.4 Determining level of specificity by setting requirements control
The configuration of data package modules depends on the scenario. The specified amount of control will
depend on the criticality of the application scenario and the capability of stakeholders.
The information requirements within each module are satisfied using a multi-tiered approach to
establishing a level of specificity. Each tier adds an additional layer of specificity necessary to satisfy the
requirements of the data package. This document adopts a three-tier approach: low, medium, and high. High
has the most stringent data requirements, thus providing the most explicit control, while low leaves more
of the implementation up to the performer. The selection of low, medium, or high control is dependent on
assessed capabilities of a performer in respect to stakeholder requirements. This designation is adopted
throughout the data package tables provided in Clauses 6 to 9. As the three tiers are traversed, and new
data requirements are added, the amount of control over each stage increases. Control refers to how much
of the data requirements at each stage are specified and shall be met, as opposed to the relaxation of some
requirements based on the capabilities of the performer. Low control is associated with the least number of
requirements, while High control will specify maximum available requirements.
The amount of control desired for a stage is influenced by two critical factors: criticality and capability.
Highly critical parts will require the highest levels of control, while less critical parts can have less stringent
control requirements. For instance, at the design stage, if the geometry is critical, the designer should have
the most control. However, if geometry requirements can be relaxed, it can be better to let pre-process
performers determine final requirements.
The capability refers to the experience or capacity of the performer. The performer can refer to designer,
operator, technician, or procurement specialist. The capability of the performer can also refer to the quality
and capacity of the performer’s equipment. High-capability performers are expected to have the experience
needed to execute a high level of control over the process. Such performers are expected to follow and meet
all detailed requirements, to provide skilled input, and to meet acceptance requirements with minimal
guidance. Low capability performers can need additional specifications in order to perform their expected
duties, and they should not be asked to play critical roles in the fabrication of critical parts.
Table 1 provides a part versus performer capability map, where recommendations are made on the level of
guidance, or control, that should be expected based on the criticality of the part and the capability of the
performer(s). See Annex A for examples on how Table 1 is adopted.
Table 1 — Part versus performer capability maps the level of control to the criticality of the parts
and the capability of the performers
High capability Medium-High Medium capa- Medium-Low capa- Low capability
capability bility bility
High critical Medium control Medium to high High control Not recommended Not recommended
control
Medium-High Medium to low Medium control Medium to high High control Not recommended
critical control control
Medium Low control Medium to low Medium control Medium to high High control
critical control control
Medium-Low Low control Low control Medium to low Medium control Medium to high
critical control control
Low critical Low control Low control Low control Medium to low Medium control
control
Capabilities are considered as:
— High capability: expertise is possessed in by the individual or organization responsible for manufacturing
the final part. High capability implies that the performer has the ability to meet designated requirements
and has access to all necessary equipment and information to do so.
— Low capability: familiarity with AM processes is present, but the performer can possibly not have the
knowledge or experience needed to execute to the highest levels. Some equipment is available to the
performer, but stringent requirements cannot be met.

© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
— High control: the design and manufacture of the part has been developed under careful consideration.
The performer shall meet detailed part, process, and inspection requirements in order for any deliverable
to be deemed acceptable.
— Low control: the design of the part is of utmost importance, but the manufacture of the part is left
primarily to the performer. The expectation is that the performer will have the capability and know how
to manufacture the part to meet design and performance requirements without explicit instructions.
— High risk: generally, this implies that failure to meet any part requirement can result in catastrophic
failure. Risk levels are to be determined by the organization.
— Low risk: generally, this implies that failure to meet one or more part requirements can still result in a
serviceable part. Such failures can lead to inconveniences that can be overcome with replacement parts
or with sub-optimal performance. Risk levels are to be determined by the organization.
The high, medium and low control levels are used throughout the document from Table 2 to Table 19.
The suggested level of control is indicated by an “X” for each set of attributes. Annex A provides example
scenarios where different levels of control may be desired.
5.5 Establishing configuration management practices
Configuration-management techniques (see Figure 5) are required to control and manage data within the
AM production cycle, effectively constructing a digital twin from data provenance. As a physical AM part
traverses this lifecycle, the associated digital twin will undergo many digital transformations that mirror
the various lifecycle functions - from a raw design to a qualified product. Configuration management begins
early in the product design phase and aims at ensuring that the design intent is realized by monitoring and
controlling the subsequent processes. A configuration management plan
— defines the allowable representations on which requirements can be met,
— identifies allowable formats and configurations,
— establishes consistency in how data are captured and represented,
— provides consistent evaluation and qualification across AM part families.
The application of configuration management shall aim at reducing impermissible and unintended changes
and monitor/record the permissible changes. For example, increasing the component wall thicknesses in the
CAD (computer-aided design) digital twin to compensate for material removal in post-processing stages can
potentially disrupt an AM part’s definition. Format changes, such as converting the CAD digital twin into an
AM machine-readable format, is another process-driven modification that can influence the design intent
of the component. Since such examples can influence the design intent of the component, they should be
managed carefully. Figure 5 outlines a scenario where a configuration plan is iterated through.

© ISO/ASTM International 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/ASTM 52951:2026(en)
Figure 5 — The approach for establishing configuration management for AM production (Adapted
from Reference [2])
Configuration management practices should be outlined as a configuration management plan. Configuration
management for AM should be planned during the earliest project stage. Procedures should be developed
for managing the configuration of the design and relevant data through to its disposal and throughout
the design-to-product transformation. Given the complexity of AM processes and the variability in how
these processes can be realized, additional considerations should be made for configuration between
organizations to ensure each organization’s approach and coding schemes are consistent and compatible.
Configuration management plans should make the following considerations:
— Configuration identification - identification of Configuration Items (CI) requires the knowledge of
which items influence the integrity of the component data as well as which data items are required for
compliance consistency. All CIs and associated AM formats should be assigned an identifier and revision
controlled.
— Configuration control (process required to change a CI and re-baseline it) - configuration control can be
defined as “a systematic process that ensures that changes to released configuration documentation are
properly identified, documented, evaluated for impact, approved by an appr
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