TS EN ISO/ASTM 52926-2

TS EN ISO/ASTM 52926-2 is a standard that defines how qualification is to be addressed for operators working with metal powder bed fusion systems using a laser beam. Its focus is the competence, responsibilities, and working context of personnel who operate PBF-LB/M equipment in metal part production, so the operator role is treated as more than simple machine handling and is placed within a structured qualification framework.

How operator qualification is organised

The document sets criteria for the theoretical and practical assessment of personnel operating PBF-LB/M machines. In general technical terms, that means a competence-based approach covering the underlying process principles, equipment interaction, workflow discipline, and the activities expected from the operator during production. Because PBF-LB/M combines metal powder, laser energy, and layer-by-layer manufacturing, qualification is not only about using the machine interface but also about understanding the critical steps and limitations of the process.

The standard also includes the activities and procedures expected to be performed by the PBF-LB/M operator. In practice, this points to the operational tasks that support stable production, such as preparation, in-process attention, and consistent execution of the required workflow, all within the operator’s defined role. It is intended as a general framework for industrial AM applications; where sector-specific qualification requirements apply, such as in aerospace, the relevant industry standard takes precedence.

From a broader technology perspective, PBF-LB/M is an additive manufacturing process in which metal powder is selectively fused or melted by a laser. Operator qualification matters because repeatability, process discipline, and controlled interaction with the equipment are central to making the method work reliably. TS EN ISO/ASTM 52926-2 therefore serves as a practical reference for defining and assessing the operator role in metal additive manufacturing.