ISO/TC 261/JG 67 - Joint ISO/TC 261-ASTM F 42 Group: Technical report for the design of functionally graded additive manufactured parts

This document covers the principal considerations which apply to data exchange for additive manufacturing. It specifies terms and definitions which enable information to be exchanged describing geometries or parts such that they can be additively manufactured. The data exchange method outlines file type, data enclosed formatting of such data and what this can be used for. This document — enables a suitable format for data exchange to be specified, — describes the existing developments for additive manufacturing of 3D geometries, — outlines existing file formats used as part of the existing developments, and — enables understanding of necessary features for data exchange, for adopters of this document. This document is aimed at users and producers of additive manufacturing processes and associated software systems. It applies wherever additive processes are used, and to the following fields in particular: — producers of additive manufacturing systems and equipment including software; — software engineers involved in CAD/CAE systems; — reverse engineering systems developers; — test bodies wishing to compare requested and actual geometries.

The use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of geometrically complex components by accurately depositing materials in a controlled way. Technological progress in AM hardware, software, as well as the opening of new markets demand for higher flexibility and greater efficiency in today's products, encouraging research into novel materials with functionally graded and high-performance capabilities. This has been termed as Functionally Graded Additive Manufacturing (FGAM), a layer-by-layer fabrication technique that involves gradationally varying the ratio of the material organization within a component to meet an intended function. As research in this field has gained worldwide interest, the interpretations of the FGAM concept requires greater clarification. The objective of this document is to present a conceptual understanding of FGAM. The current-state of art and capabilities of FGAM technology will be reviewed alongside with its challenging technological obstacles and limitations. Here, data exchange formats and some of the recent application is evaluated, followed with recommendations on possible strategies in overcoming barriers and future directions for FGAM to take off.