Machine Operator Certification (AMC-MO, PBF-LB/M)

Machine Operator Certification (AMC-MO, PBF-LB/M)

About the Program

AM Machine Operator Certification (AMC-MO, PBF-LB/M) certifications provide third-party, time-limited recognition that an individual has demonstrated competency against established criteria, with ongoing requirements to maintain proficiency. 

What is ASTM AMC-MO?

ASTM AMC-MO is a personnel certification qualifying machine operators of laser metal powder bed fusion machines and associated equipment in accordance with ISO/ASTM 52942 and ISO/ASTM52926-2

The Certification is specific to:

  • Machine manufacturer and model
  • Powder material group A to F as specified in the standard. For example, Material group B: Austenitic, martensitic, and precipitation hardening steels

Why ASTM AMC-MO?

  • As AM scales into production of critical components, the need to verify operator competency is increasing
  • Provides a standard approach to qualifying metal PBF machine operators
  • Supports standards and customer requirements that call for operator qualification
  • Demonstrates organizational commitment to quality and safety

How does AMC-MO work?

  • Built on ISO/ASTM 52942 and ISO/ASTM 52926-2
  • Co-developed with machine manufacturers to ensure accuracy and completeness
  • Two-part assessment:
    • Online theoretical exam (minimum 80% score)
    • Practical on-machine demonstration according to Additive Manufacturing Procedure (AMP) specification
  • Assessments conducted at OEM application centers or customer sites

—  Machine models: EOS M290, EOS M400, and EOS M400-4

Contact EOS About this Certificate

—  Machine models: DMP Flex 350

Contact 3D Systems About this Certificate

—  Machine models: SLM 280, SLM 500 and SLM NXG XII 600

Contact Nikon SLM Solutions About this Certificate

NOTE:  Reach out to us if you have a need for development of other machine operator certifications. 

Location for assessment 

  • OEM Application Centers or Customer Site 

Pre-Requisites

  • Candidate for certification should have an experience operating machine. She/he should have completed at least six builds prior to applying for certification.
  • Certification is valid for two years.  To maintain certification for two years the machine operator will need to operate machine on a regular basis (at least once per six months).
  • Vision Test:  Candidate for certification would need to provide evidence of vision test from a medical practitioner.  It should be available for optional audit, but ASTM will not take possession of results.  This includes:
    • Near vision acuity (need to be tested every two years)
    • Color perception (need to be tested every six years)
  • Operator qualification is assessed through a two-part examination covering the key topics in the standard.
    • Part 1 Theoretical Exam:  Online exam conducted by ASTM with a minimum 80% score
    • Part 2 Practical Exam:  On-machine demonstration of proper setup and operation of PBF-LB machine according to Additive Manufacturing Procedure (AMP) specification.

Learn more / apply

Complete an application via this link:

Other Certifications and Services

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.

Learn More

BY THE NUMBERS

Partners and Collaborators
27
Technical Experts
32
Projects
40+

Latest Events From AM CoE

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.