AM TERMS from ISO/ASTM 52900: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso-astm:52900:ed-2:v1:en

 

Additive Manufacturing and Related Processes

​

•  Additive Manufacturing (AM): The action or process of making a three-dimensional object by adding materials, typically in layers, guided by a CAD or a digital 3D model. It includes various processes such as plastics, liquids, or powder grains being fused.

• 3D Printing (3DP): Another term for Additive Manufacturing.

• 3D Printer: A machine used for 3D printing.

• 3D Capture: The process of converting physical objects into precise digital models, typically using a scanner.

• 3D Scanning: A method of acquiring the shape and size of an object as a 3D representation by recording x, y, z coordinates on the object's surface and converting the collection of points into digital data through software.

• 3D Model: The outcome of digitization, which is an editable, mathematical, three-dimensional representation of an object.

• Design for Additive Manufacture (DfAM): The art, science, and skill to design for manufacturability using 3D printers.

• Reverse Engineering: A method of creating or recreating a digital representation from a physical object to define its shape, dimensions, and internal and external features.

• Re-engineering: The improvement of current characteristics and design of a product.

•  Generative Design: A design process that generates a number of improved outputs that meet certain constraints around the physical and mechanical aspects of the product.

​

Digital Supply Chains and Distribution

​

• Digital Supply Network (DSN): A system that uses technology and real-time data to improve supply chain efficiency, visibility, and adaptability. It enables digital inventory management, on-demand manufacturing, better decision-making, and enhanced collaboration.

• Digital Supply Chain: Supply chain processes that use advanced technologies enabling better insights into the functions of each stakeholder along the chain.

• Digital Trade: All cross-border transactions that are either digitally ordered, digitally facilitated, or digitally delivered.

• Digital Distribution: The delivery or distribution of digital content to a device or on-demand manufacturing service close to the user.

• Digital Inventory: A collection of approved and certified digital assets ready for digital distribution.

• Digital Readiness: The state of being structurally ready for digital distribution.

• Digital Warehouse (DW): A digital platform to store part files and information easily accessible by authorized users from anywhere in the world.

• Digital Twin: A virtual model designed to accurately reflect a physical object.

• Digitization: The process of creating a fully manufacturable digital representation of a part.

 

Manufacturing Processes and Strategies

​

• On-demand Manufacturing (ODM): A manufacturing process in which products are only manufactured when needed and in quantities required.

• Distributed Manufacturing: Manufacturing through a network of local devices or manufacturing facilities capable of receiving and producing goods on demand.

• Microfactory: A small on-site laboratory or production facility for on-demand manufacturing.

• Local Manufacturing Center (LMC): A local manufacturer laboratory or facility with on-demand manufacturing capabilities.

 

Technologies and Tools

​

• CAD (Computer-aided design): The use of computers for the design of real or virtual objects.

• Blockchain: An unchangeable ledger that simplifies the procedure for keeping track of assets and documenting transactions in a corporate network.

• Digital Rights Management (DRM): Technologies that control the use of digital content and devices after sale.

• Internet of Things (IoT): A network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems, to predict demand, optimize inventory, and identify potential risks.

• Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI involving the use of data and algorithms to imitate the way humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy.

• Big Data: Large and complex data sets that traditional data-processing software cannot manage. Big data is analyzed to reveal patterns, trends, and associations.

• Cloud Computing: The delivery of computing services over the internet, allowing for on-demand access to resources such as storage, servers, and applications.

• Edge Computing: Processing data near the source of data generation (i.e., at the edge of the network) rather than in a centralized data-processing warehouse, reducing latency and bandwidth use.

• Predictive Analytics: Techniques that use historical data, machine learning, and statistical algorithms to predict future outcomes.

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): The use of software robots to automate highly repetitive, routine tasks normally performed by a human.

• Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS): Systems that offer advanced algorithms and mathematical models for optimizing supply chain operations, taking into account constraints and resource availability.

• Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS): A suite of cloud services enabling development, execution, and governance of integration flows connecting any combination of on-premises and cloud-based processes, services, applications, and data.

 

Supply Chain Concepts

​

• Supply Chain: A network of individuals, organizations, resources, activities, and technology throughout the logistical process from raw material procurement to delivery of completed products to the final customer.

• Supply Chain Resilience: The ability of a supply chain to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to disruptions.

• Supply Chain Optimization: The application of processes and tools to ensure the optimal operation of a manufacturing and distribution supply chain.

• Supply Chain Analytics: The use of data and quantitative methods to improve decision-making across the supply chain.

• Supply Chain Visibility: The extent to which all aspects of a supply chain can be tracked and traced, providing real-time information about processes and inventory.

• Supply Chain Digitization: The transformation of supply chain activities and processes using digital technologies to improve efficiency, enhance visibility, and enable data-driven decision-making.

• Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM): The implementation of strategies to manage both everyday and exceptional risks along the supply chain based on continuous risk assessment with the objective of reducing vulnerability and ensuring continuity.

 

Industry 4.0 and Related Terms

​

• Industry 4.0: The convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems, creating interconnectivity between autonomous manufacturing equipment and broader computer systems.

• Smart Factory: A highly digitized and connected production facility that relies on smart manufacturing.

• Hyper Automation: The use of advanced technologies, like AI and machine learning, to increasingly automate processes and augment human decision-making.

• Internet of Everything (IoE): Extending the internet connectivity beyond devices to include processes, data, and people.

 

Certification and Quality Control

​

• Certification: The process of verifying that a product or service meets specific standards or criteria.

• Comfort Critical: Noncritical parts; nice-to-have parts that do not affect business and are not crucial to employee safety.

• Business Critical: Parts that are necessary for systems to operate correctly; parts which impact the bottom line if broken.

• Safety Critical: Parts that are essential to safety; pose a risk to employees or the environment if broken.

• Build Process Qualification: A one-time test for the calibrated machine which establishes essential parameters and allowable limits.

• Part Qualification: Testing of a specific part used for higher criticality levels.

• Production Testing: Testing of specimens or a part produced simultaneously as the final part and should have the same process and post-processing steps.

• Quality Control (QC): A system of maintaining standards in manufactured products by testing a sample of the output against the specification.

 

Business and Economic Terms

​

• Business Case: Data analysis of technical and procurement information which outlines the return on investment (ROI) and saving opportunities.

• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): Companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by other manufacturers.

• Qualification Score (Confidence Level): A rating system for evaluating the confidence level in the qualification of a part or process. Scores include A - High, B - Medium, C - Moderate.

• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The purchase price of an asset plus the costs of operation, representing the complete cost over its lifecycle.

• Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS): A business model where manufacturing services are offered on-demand, typically through digital platforms.

• Business Models and Market Dynamics: The current business models and market dynamics for AM in supply chains, reflecting its niche status and focusing on prototyping and low-volume production.

 

Digital Tools and Software

​

• Parts Screening Analysis: A software tool used to screen and analyze large procurement datasets, leveraging Natural Language Processing toolkits and techniques to simplify the process of selecting products for on-demand manufacturing.

• Digital Ecosystem: A complex network or interconnected system formed by the interactions between digital entities and their environment.

• Digital Twin Technology: Using a digital replica of a physical asset to simulate, predict, and optimize performance in real-world conditions.

• Augmented Reality (AR): An interactive experience where real-world environments are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information.

• Digital Supply Chain Control Tower: A central hub for supply chain visibility, where data from across the supply chain is collected, analyzed, and acted upon in real-time.

 

Additional Terms

​

• 3D Capture: The action or process of converting physical objects into precise digital models, typically by using a scanner.

• Print Passport Number: A unique code that allows tracing physical parts to their digital origin, collecting fragmented assurance information in one place.

• Part Category: The highest level of grouping of products. This serves as the most general breakdown based on common catalogs. Division of products