Continuous, Closed-Loop Process Requirements for the Reuse of Used Powder in Additive Manufacturing of Aerospace Parts AMS7052

This specification prescribes process requirements for the operation of an additive manufacturing machine or ancillary apparatus to maintain continuous, closed-loop powder handling and reconditioning of used, metal powder for reuse in subsequent additive manufacturing of aerospace parts. Such powders may be pre-alloyed or commercially pure. This specification is not limited to a specific additive manufacturing process workflow that both generates used powder and consumes reuse powder. It is intended to define those procedures and requirements necessary to achieve required cleanliness and performance of metal powder feedstock when continuously used and processed within the same additive manufacturing process and equipment. This specification is intended to be used in conjunction with relevant AMS powder specifications and AMS process specifications for additive manufacturing. Unless otherwise specified, powder prepared for reuse following this specification is intended to be conforming in physical and chemical attributes as defined by the originating virgin powder specification for the purposes of producing aerospace parts, providing equivalent characteristics and properties as specified by the corresponding AMS material specification. This specification does not provide requirements for the operation of any additive manufacturing machine as equipment to fabricate aerospace parts. This specification is limited to the activities and processes related to metal powder outside of the additive manufacturing process envelope controlled by other process specifications.