Additive Manufacturing Users Group

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group’s origins date back to the early 1990s when the founding industry users group was called 3D Systems North American Stereolithography Users Group, a users group solely focused on the advancement of stereolithography (SL) use with the owners and operators of 3D Systems’ equipment. Today, AMUG educates and supports users of all additive manufacturing technologies. The primary charter of the group remains the same, but its members are much more diversified, global and focused in advancing additive manufacturing technology for rapid manufacturing and prototyping.

With AMUG’s expanded range, operators/owners of any commercial technology — stereolithography, selective laser sintering, 3D printing, DMD, DMLS, FDM, LS, SL, SLM, PolyJet, and more * — can benefit from the information exchange and professional network that AMUG offers.

AMUG Mission

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group redefined its mission to encompass its broadened scope and newly defined goals.  AMUG educates and advances the uses and applications of additive manufacturing technologies.

AMUG meets annually to provide a forum for presentation of papers relating to the dissemination of processes and new technologies related to the operation of additive manufacturing equipment and the secondary or final application of parts or/and tools made from these systems.

The objectives of AMUG include the following:
  • Encourage effective communication of information exchange amongst all additive manufacturing equipment owners and operators.
  • Provide a forum for presentations of papers and the ability to network with colleagues.
  • Propose solutions to problems that involve basic modification to hardware or software.
  • Provide an open atmosphere for technology exchange.
Activities of AMUG include the following:
  • Hold annual and periodic meetings for the purpose of conducting business of the AMUG.
  • Establish special task or interest groups to study specific mutual areas of interest.
  • Identify problems and propose solutions or improvements and recommend uniform practices and techniques to be used by the membership.

Evolution of the Users Group

AMUG has grown, expanded and evolved to keep pace with the sweeping changes in the additive manufacturing industry.

3D Systems North American Stereolithography Users Group

Founded in the late 1980s, the users group was dedicated to the users of 3D Systems’ stereolithography technology.

Selective Laser Sintering Users Group

This group, also founded in the early 1990s, focused on the users of DTM Corporation’s selective laser sintering (SLS) technology.

3D Systems Users Group

In 2001, 3D Systems acquired DTM Corporation. Shortly after, the users groups for stereolithography and selective laser sintering consolidated into one association.

3DS Users Group, Inc. (3DSUG)

As more and more users operated technologies from other additive manufacturing companies, the users group elected to open its doors (speakers, AMUGexpo and Sponsors Program) to companies other than 3D Systems. Membership continued to be owners/operators of stereolithography and selective laser sintering.

Additive Manufacturing Users Group

At the 2011 conference, members voted to open the users group to owners/operators of all commercial additive manufacturing technologies.