Occupational safety and health in additive manufacturing processes
Until now, individual solutions have been found by operators of additive manufacturing facilities to enable the safe operation of additive manufacturing systems. Whether the measures taken are sufficient and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations could hardly be assessed by anyone. For the safe operation of additive manufacturing systems that process metal powder with laser beam melting, there is now comprehensive guidance in VDI 3405 Sheet 6.1.
VDI 3405 Sheet 6.1 describes a uniform procedure to ensure user safety during the operation of additive manufacturing systems that process metal powder with laser beam melting. The relevance and applicability of existing regulations of neighboring technology fields such as welding, powder metallurgy and the Nanoparticles is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Relevant technical rules, regulations and laws are compiled and recommendations are given on how these can be implemented in practice during the various steps of laser beam melting.
Especially for operators of laser beam melting systems
The guideline is primarily addressed to operators of laser beam melting plants and to persons or companies planning the procurement and operation of a corresponding plant with metal powder. The guideline is also addressed to organizations that advise operators of these facilities on safety precautions, to suppliers of facilities and of equipment for safe operation, and to logistics service providers for the handling of hazardous materials. The directive applies to CE-marked laser steel melting equipment that is enclosed for safe operation. Operators of laser beam melting systems are required to have a Risk assessment and to document them. The guideline provides practical and comprehensible support for this purpose.
Publisher of the guideline VDI 3405 Sheet 6.1 "Additive manufacturing processes; user safety in the operation of manufacturing equipment; laser beam melting of metal powders" is the German VDI Society for Production and Logistics (GPL). The guideline was published as a draft in June 2018. It can be ordered now at a price of EUR 72.60 from Beuth Verlag in Berlin by phone or online. VDI members receive a 10 % discount on all VDI guidelines. There is an opportunity to help shape the guideline by submitting comments using the electronic objection portal or by notifying the issuing company in writing (gpl@vdi.de). The Objection period ends on 30.11.2018. VDI guidelines can be used in many public display points can be viewed free of charge.
Info:
Commission for Occupational Health and Safety and Standardization (KAN)
VDI Society for Production and Logistics, www.vdi.de
Relevant links
