Qualification in additive manufacturing (AM) ensures that machines, facilities, personnel, and feedstock meet stringent requirements for consistent, reliable production. It aligns closely with certification but focuses on production readiness.

Qualification: Verifies that an organization has comprehensive quality systems, approved AM processes, and related equipment.

Be able to apply qualification to its role in facilities and processes beyond the printer; describe the types of hardware-accepted testing that are employed in industry; describe statistical process control and conceptually connect it to lot and part acceptance.