As additive manufacturing (AM) continues to mature into a production-grade technology, clear and standardized communication of design intent has become essential. ASME Y14.46, Product Definition for Additive Manufacturing, establishes the framework for defining geometry, features, and data sets unique to AM, enabling consistent interpretation across design, manufacturing, and inspection activities. This training session will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the structure and practical application of the standard.
The session begins with an overview of the key terminology and definitions that distinguish AM product definition from traditional subtractive methods. Participants will then explore supplemental geometry concepts, including coordinate system identification, unit vector definition, and surface representation—fundamental elements that support accurate orientation and build planning. The training will also address the relationship between product and process definition, detailing how geometry, design, and process-related characteristics are captured to reflect AM-specific considerations such as build direction, support strategy, lattice structures, and post-processing.
A significant portion of the session will focus on product definition data sets, emphasizing how digital models, annotations, and metadata can be organized to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and quality control. Examples will demonstrate how the standard supports communication between design engineers, manufacturing specialists, and quality assurance teams throughout the digital thread.
By the end of this session, attendees will understand how to interpret and apply ASME Y14.46 in their organizations to improve design documentation, reduce ambiguity in production, and accelerate the qualification of AM components. This training equips participants with both conceptual and practical knowledge to advance the consistent, standards-based integration of additive manufacturing into modern engineering practice.
Learning Objectives:
Define the key terminology, structure, and intent of ASME Y14.46 and explain how it differs from traditional product definition standards used in subtractive manufacturing.
Describe the methods for identifying and representing supplemental geometry—such as coordinate systems, unit vectors, and surfaces—within additive manufacturing product models.
Demonstrate how to apply ASME Y14.46 principles to create complete product definition data sets that capture geometry, design intent, and process-related characteristics for additive manufacturing applications.
