PROTIQ is now an industrial additive manufacturing facility with a TÜV SÜD seal of approval

When additive manufacturing first entered the industry, it was largely used for prototyping. Since then, more and more companies have begun to use 3D printing technologies in serial production. Spare parts and series in small-to-medium quantities with complex geometries and completely new designs can thus be manufactured economically and quickly. PROTIQ offers additive manufacturing that meets the highest standards—a fact that has now been objectively confirmed by TÜV SÜD (the German Technical Inspection Authority).

Test criteria for high-quality additive manufacturing

With this certificate, TÜV SÜD has certified the Blomberg-based 3D printing experts’ “service competence for industrial additive manufacturing plants.” The award refers to the processes of selective laser sintering (PBF-LB/P, Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Polymers) and selective laser melting (PBF-LB/M, Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals). The seal of approval is based on a testing and certification program that examines the quality of the production facility, taking into account current safety and health regulations, from cross-technology and technology-specific services to the finished products. The extensive test criteria are laid out in DIN SPEC 17071; among other things, this ensures that the inspected production facility has installed a quality management system along the entire value chain, which includes corporate management, customer and order management, production planning, 3D printing, and post-processing. The competence of the specialist staff, the organization of the production site, and the quality of the services are among the attributes evaluated. Quality assurance measures such as work instructions and checklists for documentation constitute additional criteria.

High standards for mass production

TÜV SÜD also requires additive manufacturing companies’ processes to be traceable and reproducible. Products manufactured in series are characterized by absolute uniformity in terms of material, composition, quality, and the manufacturing process itself. To ensure this, the entire supply chain must meet high requirements. TÜV SÜD reviews this through representative orders. Last but not least, material handling plays an important role in the testing procedure. This involves reviewing work steps such as material suitability testing, incoming inspection, and storage. PROTIQ has proven itself in all respects and is now a TÜV SÜD-certified supplier for 3D printing.

Further information on the seal of approval for industrial additive manufacturing facilities can be found on the TÜV SÜD website.