4.1 General
Measurements and observations described in this document are used to assess the performance of an AM system with a given system set-up and process parameters, in combination with a specific feedstock material.
The primary characterization of the AM system obtained by this document is via geometric accuracy, surface finish and minimum feature sizes of the benchmarking test piece(s).
4.2 Comparing results from one machine
The test piece(s) can be built and measured for example when the new machine is installed. The test piece(s) may be used to periodically evaluate the performance or diagnose a fault in one AM system, for example, after system maintenance or as defined by the requirements of a quality system.
The test piece(s) described in this test method may be used as a demonstration of capabilities for a contract between a buyer and seller of AM parts or AM systems.
Data from the measurements described in this document can be used to gauge the impact of new process parameters or material on the AM system performance.
Certain test geometries may be included with every build on a particular AM system to help establish performance traceability. Depending on the needs of the end user, not all test artifacts need to be built, and individual test artifacts can be built separately if required.