Authentication, Testing and Certification of Additive Manufactured Items and Cryogenically Processed Additive Manufactured Items

摘要

Embodiments describe a means to authenticate manufacture of AM parts to a third party using witness artifacts. Embodiments describe cryogenic processing of additive manufactured (AM) metal and metal-matrix items to improve mechanical, physical, electrical, and/or chemical properties. Embodiments also describe a method of scientific testing and engineering analysis that validate cryogenically treated, AM items by measuring and contrasting enhancements in wear, corrosion, fracture, fatigue, and electro-chemical properties against baseline samples. Embodiments also describe a certification method, using a MIL-STD format digitized or written report that outputs a standards-based, First Article Test report and certification statement. The embodiments describe a lean processing method and value stream map that captures defects and identifies and segregates discrepant parts along with proxy witness test samples. Embodiments also describe an archival storage method of authenticated, validated, and certified artifacts, identical in material alloy and metallurgical characteristics to the in-use AM part, that meet AS9100 ISO quality standards for such critical applications as space flight, military, FDA, medical, nuclear, and civilian aviation.