In 2015, the Foundation published the Foresight review of structural integrity and systems performance. A key observation in the report was that AM has the potential to enter widespread industrial use but it is important that the safety or reliability of critical infrastructure systems, such as energy, transport and water, is not reduced by using the technology.
Through this roadmap the Foundation aims to indicate the work that it believes is needed to assure safe application of the technology and also identifies the unique activities where the Foundation could make a distinctive difference. After this consultation a final document will be published that will help governments, industry, academia and the public to understand the safety related risks and opportunities associated with additive manufacturing.
Dr Jan Przydatek, programme leader for structural integrity & systems performance, Lloyd’s Register Foundation said: “We reviewed existing roadmaps and consulted experts in the field to identify four key challenges that once developed will lead to safe adoption of the technology: qualification of technology; confidence in the supply chain; a competent and qualified workforce; and safety enhancements that additive manufacturing could enable.”
The Foundation is calling for feedback to ensure that it has identified the most important safety-related aspects for the application of AM and on the ‘white spaces’ set out in the report - areas where the Foundation can make a unique and distinctive contribution to the safe adoption of AM technology. The closing date for feedback is 31 January 2017.
