January 13, 2026

ASTM International Supports U.S.–UK Defense Interoperability Through America Makes–Funded Additive Manufacturing Project  

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., and BRISTOL, U.K., [DATE] — ASTM International today announced its participation in a newly awarded Allied Additive Manufacturing Interoperability (AAMI) project led by America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM). Funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD(R&E)), the $1.1 million initiative aims to establish additive manufacturing (AM) equivalency and interoperability between the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) supply chains.

The AAMI program focuses on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of critical defense parts and seeks to identify barriers to allied interoperability while supporting the development of shared, international qualification and certification approaches. As a member of the Lockheed Martin–led project team working alongside Additive Manufacturing Solutions Ltd., ASTM International will contribute its global expertise in standards development, qualification frameworks, and data interoperability. This work will be driven by ASTM’s Advanced Manufacturing Division and the ASTM International UK team.  

This project reflects a growing emphasis on allied, distributed manufacturing models that can respond to complex logistical and sustainment challenges. While AM offers clear advantages in lead time reduction, design flexibility, and on-demand production, scaling AM for defense applications requires consistent qualification pathways, trusted data exchange, and alignment across national supply chains.  

“The future of defense manufacturing depends on interoperability—not just of technologies, but of standards, qualification approaches, and trust,” said Mohsen Seifi, Ph.D., vice president of global advanced manufacturing programs at ASTM International. “Through this collaboration, ASTM is helping enable a common technical language between U.S. and UK partners so that qualified AM parts can be produced with confidence across allied supply chains.”  

ASTM’s involvement will be supported in part by ASTM International UK, the organization’s regional hub established to accelerate additive and advanced manufacturing qualification, standardization, and industrial adoption across the UK and Europe. The UK team brings direct experience working with government, industry, and research partners on defense, aerospace, and industrial AM programs. 

“Additive manufacturing equivalency between allied nations is essential for resilient defense sustainment,” said Ben DiMarco, technology transition director for America Makes. “By working with our partners and member organizations, we’re advancing qualification frameworks that support real-world adoption and ensure consistent, reliable parts across U.S. and UK operations.”   

ASTM International’s involvement in this program reflects its growing role in enabling defense industries globally through a combination of standards development, technical advisory services and training, pilot programs, qualification frameworks, and international collaboration. 

About ASTM International  

Advancing standards and transforming markets, ASTM International touches every part of everyday life—helping the world work better. 

More than 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally, improving quality, safety, and performance across industries. Combined with its innovative business services, ASTM helps build confidence in the products and systems people rely on every day.  

Media Inquiries: Michael Molitch-Hou; +1.323.868.1865; mmolitch-hou@astm.org
ASTM International UK Inquiries: uk@astm.org  

AM CoE by the Numbers

With decades of experience in additive manufacturing, our team of experts is integral to our work. With team members located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia, the AM CoE is able to provide agile support for global initiatives.

BY THE NUMBERS

Partners and Collaborators
27
Technical Experts
32
Projects
40+

How can I participate?

  • Support through Research and Development

    Through the AM CoE, research priorities are identified by the top minds in the field and are matched from the start to the standards that need to be generated to ensure the resulting AM technology’s success.

  • Consortium for Materials Data and Standardization

    Consortia for Materials Data & Standardization (CMDS) enables companies of all sizes from across the entire additive manufacturing ecosystem to collaborate on standardizing the best practices for materials data generation.

  • Explore On-Demand Webinars

    The webinar series provides guidance sessions on multiple and diverse topics in AM Design, Fabrication, Post-processing, Mechanical testing, Non-destructive evaluation, Applications, and Qualification and Certification.

  • Education & Workforce Development

    Comprehensive program that educates and trains the additive manufacturing workforce at all levels, while continually incorporating new advances to respond to industry needs and leverage standardization, certification, and AM CoE partner expertise.