ASTM F3122-14 (2022) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F3122-14 (Reapproved 2022) — Standard Guide for Evaluating Mechanical Properties of Metal Materials Made via Additive Manufacturing Processes. This guide collects and directs users to existing test methods and practices for determining mechanical properties of metallic materials produced by additive manufacturing (AM), highlighting factors (material, anisotropy, specimen preparation, porosity, test environment, etc.) that influence reported results and recommending documentation of conditions using Practice F2971 and referenced standards.

Abstract

This short guide summarizes relevant mechanical testing standards and considerations for metal parts produced by AM processes. It does not prescribe single test methods but provides guidance on selecting, adapting, and reporting mechanical-property tests (tension, compression, hardness, impact, fatigue, fracture toughness, etc.) for AM-produced metallic specimens and emphasizes recording build and post‑processing variables that affect results.

General information

• Status: Designation F3122‑14, reapproved 2022; listed as a historical / reapproved edition on the ASTM document record.
• Publication date: Original approval 2014; current edition approved/reapproved April 1, 2022 (often shown as F3122‑14R22).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies).
• ICS / categories: 77.040.10 — Mechanical testing of metals (standard applied to AM metal test methods and mechanical-property measurement).
• Edition / version: F3122‑14 (reapproved 2022), sometimes referenced as F3122‑14R22.
• Number of pages: 6 pages (short guide).

Scope

The guide serves as a roadmap to applicable ASTM (and related) mechanical test standards for metal materials made via additive manufacturing. It covers selection and application of existing mechanical-property tests, identifies processing and specimen-preparation variables that affect outcomes, and recommends documenting build, material, and post‑processing conditions when reporting results. The guide is intentionally general: it directs users to specific test standards for methodology rather than defining new, prescriptive test procedures.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification of relevant mechanical-property tests (tensile, compression, bending, hardness, impact, fatigue, fracture toughness) for AM metals.
• Emphasis on reporting build parameters, orientation, post‑processing (heat treatment, machining), and porosity when publishing results.
• Guidance to use Practice F2971 for specimen reporting and to refer to established ASTM/ISO test procedures for specific methods.
• Notes on anisotropy and statistical variability inherent to AM processes and the need for adequate sampling and test program design.
• Use of SI units as the standard measurement system for reported values.

Typical use and users

Materials engineers, metallurgists, test laboratories, AM process development teams, quality managers, and designers who need to evaluate or compare mechanical properties of metal parts produced by additive manufacturing. Typical applications include R&D, process qualification, materials characterization, supplier qualification, and design validation where guidance is needed to choose and interpret mechanical tests for AM metals.

Related standards

Commonly referenced documents include Practice F2971 (reporting test artifacts for AM), guides such as F3049 (powder characterization) and numerous ASTM/ISO mechanical test methods (tensile, hardness, fatigue, fracture toughness standards). The F3122 guide has also been considered in joint ISO/ASTM revision work on AM mechanical test methods (projects that produced or inform standards such as ISO/ASTM 52927 and other ISO/ASTM deliverables). Users should consult the guide's reference list and the latest ISO/ASTM AM standards for up‑to‑date cross‑references.

Keywords

additive manufacturing, AM, metal powders, mechanical properties, tensile testing, fatigue, fracture toughness, hardness, anisotropy, specimen preparation, F2971, F3122, material characterization

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F3122‑14 is a short guide that directs users to appropriate mechanical test standards and explains key reporting and test‑selection considerations for metallic materials produced by additive manufacturing. It does not define new test procedures but helps users choose and document methods.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the scope and considerations for evaluating mechanical properties of AM metals (examples: tensile, compression, hardness, impact, fatigue, fracture toughness), factors that influence test results (build orientation, porosity, post‑processing), and recommendations for documenting test and build conditions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials engineers, test labs, AM process developers, quality engineers, and researchers who need to select, apply, or interpret mechanical-property tests for metal parts produced by additive manufacturing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is formally designated F3122‑14 and was reapproved in 2022 (often cited as F3122‑14R22). The ASTM record lists the item as a historical/reapproved edition in its document tracking, and concurrent ISO/ASTM revision projects have addressed related AM test methods; users should confirm the standard's current status and any replacements or newer joint ISO/ASTM standards on the ASTM or ISO catalog before relying on it for regulatory or contractual requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ASTM F42 (Additive Manufacturing Technologies) documents and is intended to be used alongside other AM standards and practices (for example F2971 for reporting, F3049 for powder characterization, and the growing set of ISO/ASTM joint standards covering AM test artifacts and methods).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include additive manufacturing, metal AM, mechanical properties, tensile, fatigue, hardness, fracture toughness, anisotropy, specimen preparation, F2971, F3122.