Navigating the Future of Additive Manufacturing with New Standards Resources

New ANSI and America Makes Resources for Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing how various products are made, ranging from critical medical components like heart valves to intricate parts for jet engines. As this exciting technology pushes boundaries, having a robust set of standards becomes crucial for ensuring safety, reliability, and scalability in production. To address this need, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and America Makes have unveiled two significant resources aimed at simplifying the process of locating and understanding AM standards: a searchable online database and the September 2026 Gaps Progress Report.

Background on AM Standards

Standards play a vital role in the additive manufacturing sector, ensuring that products created through this method can be produced safely and efficiently. With AM poised to impact diverse industries including aerospace, medical devices, automotive, and defense, it is critical that manufacturers, regulators, and consumers can trust that parts created through various machines and by different companies adhere to the same rigorous standards.

The launch of the new database represents a crucial step in this direction. It assists users—from manufacturers to regulatory bodies and researchers—in easily identifying which standards are currently active across the additive manufacturing landscape.

The Additive Manufacturing Standards Database

Hosted on the ANSI website, the Additive Manufacturing Standards Database offers a user-friendly interface that enables an exploration of existing standards activities throughout the entire AM lifecycle. Users can search by keywords or apply filters based on material type, manufacturing process, document type, and other criteria to find relevant information quickly.

Access to this robust database is complimentary, granted after users complete a brief online form. To keep the information current and actionable, the database will undergo regular updates to reflect the latest developments in AM standards.

Tracking Progress on Standards Gaps

In conjunction with the database, the September 2026 Gaps Progress Report offers insights into the progress made regarding the standardization gaps identified in the AMSC's Standardization Roadmap for Additive Manufacturing, Version 3.0. This foundational document has been developed through the collaborative input of approximately 300 experts from federal agencies, national laboratories, standard developers, academia, and various industry sectors. The latest report spotlights five out of the 141 identified gaps and notes no new gaps emerging at this time.

This progressive document serves as a living record, designed for periodic updates that reflect advances in standards work. The next iteration of the progress report is expected in April 2027, ensuring stakeholders remain informed on the status and needs of AM standardization.

AMSC's Role and Future Directions

The Additive Manufacturing Standardization Collaborative (AMSC) acts as a collective body that facilitates and accelerates the essential development of industry-wide standards and specifications. Its aim is to synchronize efforts among all relevant stakeholders, thereby providing a solid foundation for the growth of the AM sector.

Christine Bernat, director of standards facilitation at ANSI, underlined the urgency in keeping up with the rapid advancements of additive manufacturing technologies. She stated, "Additive manufacturing is moving fast, and the standards that support it have to keep pace. Through the AMSC, we're bringing the AM community together to see the full picture—what's in place, what's in progress, and where to focus next."

For those interested in following developments or contributing to the standards work, there's an opportunity to stay updated by accessing the report or reaching out via email to express interest in AMSC activities. More information can be found on the ANSI website.

Conclusion

As additive manufacturing continues to carve out its place across various industries, the introduction of these new resources by ANSI and America Makes marks a significant milestone. It empowers manufacturers and stakeholders with the tools needed to navigate standards effectively, ensuring the safe, consistent, and high-quality production of 3D-printed components. With these resources in hand, the AM community is poised for a promising future that values innovation without compromising on safety and reliability.