Industrial Additive Manufacturing Equipment Services

Industrial additive manufacturing (AM) equipment includes large-scale systems that build parts layer by layer using technologies such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA) and laser-based processes, along with pre- and post-processing equipment for material handling, curing and finishing. Found in industrial production, research and advanced manufacturing environments, these polymer and metal 3D printing systems often involve combustible powders, high-energy lasers and reactive materials which can create fire, shock, hazardous atmospheres and performance risks.

To help address these risks, the International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 1 require certification to UL 2011, the Outline of Investigation for Machinery, or a field evaluation for industrial AM equipment, both of which have been adopted across many U.S. states and jurisdictions. The certification or field evaluations of your product to UL 2011 can help demonstrate to local code authorities and other stakeholders that your equipment complies with safety requirements. 

Fire code compliance requirements for industrial additive manufacturing equipment

IFC (2021 and 2025 editions) – Industrial AM equipment and operations must comply with UL 2011 or be approved through a field evaluation.

NFPA 1 (2021 and 2024 editions) – 3D printers used in industrial AM must meet the same UL 2011 listing or field evaluation requirement.

*Effective as of Dec. 19, 2025 

Key safety risks

• Hazardous atmosphere risk – Combustible dusts, powders and flammable vapors can create ignitable atmospheres that may lead to flashfires or explosions
• Risk of fire – Heat sources, electrical components and process materials can create ignition hazards that may result in fire
• Electrical shock – High-voltage systems pose shock hazards during use or maintenance
• Energy hazards – Lasers, motors and heaters create severe energy-related risks
• Injury hazards – Moving parts and pinch points can cause operator injuries
• Lasers – High-intensity beams can damage eyes and skin without proper safeguards
• Functional safety – Control failures may lead to unintended machine movements
• Environmental hazards – Powders, fumes and chemicals impact air quality and health

Pain points for manufacturers

• Difficulty demonstrating machine safety to end customers and code authorities
• Differentiating AM equipment products based on safety remains challenging in a crowded and competitive market
• Navigating multiple regional safety requirements can slow time-to-market

Value of demonstrating UL 2011 certification

To end customers

• Satisfies procurement requirements
• Streamlines acceptance for environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs
• Differentiates industrial AM equipment based on safety

To code authorities

• Demonstrates compliance with code requirements from IFC and NFPA 1
• Reduces the risk of red-tagged equipment
• Streamlines acceptance
• Minimizes deployment complications, delays and added costs

Benefits of UL Solutions industrial additive manufacturing support

We provide engineering support, testing, certification and field evaluations to help you demonstrate that your industrial additive manufacturing and 3D printing equipment comply with safety requirements.

Industrial machinery expertise

UL Solutions brings decades of experience evaluating complex industrial machinery, applying deep knowledge of electrical, mechanical, thermal and control‑system risks to support safer and compliant AM equipment.

Deep knowledge of critical code requirements for industrial additive manufacturing equipment

UL 2011 covers industrial AM equipment and has specific conditions in the IFC and NFPA 1 that require a UL 2011 certification or field evaluation in many jurisdictions.

Industry standards leadership

UL Solutions authored UL 2011 and actively contributes to NFPA, ISO, IEC and other code bodies to support standard requirements that drive the industry.

Independent third party trusted by code authorities, consumers and manufacturers

UL Solutions is a recognized leader in safety science, giving manufacturers and code authorities confidence that equipment demonstrates compliance with the latest safety requirement.