What is ASTM AMC-QS?
ASTM AMC-QS is a separate certification that provides an additional, AM-specific layer to an organization’s existing Quality Management System (QMS).
The AMC-QS audit verifies the complete QMS from an additive manufacturing perspective—not only process qualification—across core business processes that govern, manage, and continually improve AM operations. This includes:
- Context of the organization (e.g., QMS scope overview, interested parties, processes, etc.)
- Leadership (e.g., quality policy, human resources, organization roles and responsibilities, etc.)
- Planning (e.g., risk assessment, quality objectives, planning of changes, etc.)
- Support (e.g. resources, training, infrastructure, IT, document control, change management, etc.)
- Operation (e.g., request for quote, contract review, customer communication, changes to requirements, design, process validation, control of non-conforming product, etc.)
- Performance evaluation (e.g., monitoring and measuring, customer satisfaction, internal audits, management review, etc.)
Improvement (e.g., non-conformities and corrective actions, continual improvement, etc.)
AMC-QS does not replace a QMS certification. It strengthens the quality management system around additive manufacturing operations. This additional certification is critically important to ensure that AM operations are fully integrated into the organization’s quality systems.
Why ASTM AMC-QS?
AMC-QS helps organizations build transparency into how AM processes are controlled and improved, supporting confidence among customers, regulators, and internal stakeholders.
- Positions your business to capture or maintain market share
- Process agnostic (applies to BJT, DED, MEX, MJT, PBF, SHL, and VPP)
- Material agnostic (metals, polymers, ceramics, and more)
- Eligibility for listing on the ASTM Additive Manufacturing Qualified Manufacturers List (QML), helping expose your company to new customers and new industries
How does AMC-QS work?
- Built on ISO/ASTM 52901, 52904, 52920, and applicable QMS standards
- Questions developed by a global group of 25+ industry organizations to evaluate core business processes from an additive manufacturing perspective
- Three-year certification with annual surveillance audits
- Conducted by trained and qualified auditors to ensure the audit is executed professionally and accurately
Strategic Benefits
- Increases customer satisfaction (internally and externally)
- Assists in achieving regulatory compliance through an independent assessment of a supplier’s capabilities
- Effective management of your AM QMS through:
- Increased efficiency through effective management of your AM QMS
- Identification of non-conformances in your AM quality system relative to industry standards
- Guidance toward solutions that improve your AM quality system
- Opportunity to document corrective actions to address non-conforming areas
- Establishes a consistent approach for evaluating capabilities across the AM community and multiple industry sectors
- Supports a culture of compliance and continuous improvement
- Provides greater transparency leading to increased confidence in AM operations
- Creates a customer-driven pathway for improvement in quality systems around AM operations
- Serves as a business lever for growth and business success
Auditee pre-requirements
The auditee must hold an active QMS certification that complies with one of the following:
- ISO 9001
- AS/EN 9100
- ISO 13485
- IATF 16949
Learn more / apply
- Complete an application (requesting an audit) via this link: I’m interested in an Audit
- Contact Kate McDonald, AM Certifications Program Manager, SEI: kmcdonald@seinet.org
Qualified Manufacturers List
Certified organizations may be listed on the ASTM Additive Manufacturing Qualified Manufacturers List (QML), providing buyers with a trusted, transparent way to identify qualified AM suppliers.
Other certifications and services
- Consulting services to support AM implementation needs
- Gap analysis to determine readiness for certification
- AMC-QF — ISO/ASTM 52920 for processes and production sites
- AMC-QP — ISO/ASTM 52901 and 52904 for PBF-LB/M processes and purchasing of AM parts
- AMC-FS — ISO/ASTM 52931 and UL 3400 (transitioning to ASTM) for AM facility safety
- AMC-MO — ISO/ASTM 52942 / ISO/ASTM 52926 for qualified operators of metal AM machines and associated equipment
- Certificate courses (non-certification training programs)
