AMUG Newsletter September 2018

President’s Report

AMUG has always provided the AM community an unique experience with a dedication to and focus on education and training. The 2019 AMUG Conference will hone that experience to provide something even better. We continually take the feedback provided by attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers and work to evolve the AMUG Conference into a focused program that is well rounded and committed to the advancement of additive manufacturing. Attendee feedback made it clear; you are looking for even more exposure to technical topics. Attendees want targeted workshops that provide a deep dive on technology, materials, software and applications to enable them to work better and smarter. In addition to providing more technical content, feedback told us that the agenda was overloaded.

I am excited to share with you some of the changes to our conference agenda. We are still developing the full details, but I have some highlights to share (with more details in the “Program Adjustments” article below).

To start, we have reduced the number of concurrent sessions. With the increase in the number of Diamond and Platinum Sponsors, the 2018 program expanded to 27 concurrent sessions. This made it difficult for attendees, and Diamond Sponsors were straining to produce sessions for four days. The reduction of concurrent sessions from 27 to 14 means that attendees will have a better chance of attending topics of interest and attending organizations can better allocate their team to see more sessions without being stretched too thin.

Our biggest change is our NEW Training Lab!  Now this is really exciting!  At our strategy meeting, we worked on revamping the agenda, and while we redesigned and reduced the number of concurrent speaking sessions on the agenda, we added the new Training Lab, which is dedicated to hands-on training from our sponsors. The Training Lab area will provide space for Diamond Sponsors to offer hands-on training and demonstrations.  That’s right, they will provide under-the-hood, technology-focused, hands-on training.

As the AM community evolves, so will AMUG.  We know these are big changes to the conference program, and 2019 AMUG Conference is going to be a departure from past conferences.  But we are excited to present the new program with the goal of continuing to act on our mission of educating and advancing the uses and applications of additive manufacturing technologies.

Registration Opens October 1

We are opening registration for the 2019 AMUG Conference on October 1. From the registration page (which will be live on October 1), attendees can register for the conference, sponsors can select their desired sponsorship package and exhibitors can claim a spot for the AMUGexpo.

All prices are the same as those for the 2018 conference, which means that the early-bird rate for attendees is $895. For one low price, attendees have access to the two-night AMUGexpo, four days of conference sessions, meals, beverages and the Tuesday-night off-site event.

On the first, we will also open the hotel reservation system for the Hilton Chicago. This is a large hotel, but we expect to fill it well before the conference date. So don’t procrastinate; make your reservations soon.

Program Adjustments

For the 2019 AMUG Conference, we are condensing the number of concurrent sessions while expanding session durations and adding a new element to deliver more hands-on experiences.

Fewer, longer sessions

As Paul noted, we are reducing the number of concurrent sessions for the 2019 conference. However, we are extending session durations and hosting the presentations in larger rooms to promote in-depth discussions, member dialogue and member engagement.

AMUG will refocus the presentations and training sessions to be highly concentrated on in-depth, technical discussions to meet attendee needs. In addition, rather than short, 30-minute sessions, we are committed to providing longer (1-hour) sessions so that our speakers and trainers can provide detailed content and interactive discussions.  Although this means there will be fewer Diamond Sponsors sessions, the reduction was necessary for two reasons.

First, as AMUG grows, we are challenged by the types of venues that can accommodate our conference. Allowing the number of concurrent sessions to expand would force us into larger, trade-show-like venues. We want to avoid those venues for as long as possible because they lack the intimacy that fuels our community spirit. Our focus is not to have 100 sessions; instead we want to have better-attended sessions held in larger rooms where more attendees congregate and engage one another.

Second, the reduction of sessions allows us to better control the content that is made available. The core principle of AMUG is education and training. Too often we have heard that some presentations were too sales oriented, which to a point is understandable. However, the AMUG attendee comprehension level of technology is high and the focus of the conference is to inform, instruct and guide. So sales presentations just don’t fit. The reduction of sessions will help AMUG and sponsors focus on valuable content that provides the most relevant information.

Training Lab

The new Training Lab brings our hands-on workshop approach, which has been used for applications like metal casting, to AM technology. The Training Lab is our approach to recapture the style and flavor of early AMUG conferences where the AM tools were the focal point of the discussion and attendees stood up, “got their hands dirty”, and engaged with the technology.

We believe The Training Lab will allow for a richer and much more engaging training environment that also allows our sponsors to show what sets them apart and how to get the most out of the AM technology.

The Training Lab is separate from, but a complement to, the AMUGexpo. On the AMUGexpo floor, you will be invited to look ‘under the hood’ and ask tough questions. In the Training Lab you will experience how to get things done and how to get the most out of AM technology.

Awards Banquet

It’s with a heavy heart that we announce that our Tuesday-evening Awards Banquet is no more, but our Off-site Dinner Event is still on! We ask that our members engage, converse, exchange information and build their network, and in 2018 you did that so well during the Awards Banquet the awards portion of the night was overshadowed. While recognizing the skills and contributions of esteemed colleagues, the roar of 1,700 or so members engaged in conversation drowned out the presentation of our most coveted awards.  As part of your feedback, you asked that we include the recognition into the daily conference, and that is just what we are doing for 2019.

New DINOs will be recognized on Tuesday morning and Technical Competition winners will be named in conjunction with the presentation of our Innovators Award from the stage during our Wednesday-morning general session. While we have just removed the awards portion of the evening and placed it in our conference program, our Tuesday-night event is a must attend. The AMUG Conference is a morning until night, education-filled, networking marathon, and Tuesday is no exception.

Call for Speakers and Workshop Trainers
2019 AMUG Conference – Call for Speakers is Open.

We continue to enhance and modify our tracks and hands-on workshop sessions to meet the needs of beginner and advanced additive manufacturing us­­ers. Feedback on the 2018 program indicated that there was too much of a good thing (too many concurrent presentations). This year we will be reducing the number of concurrent sessions so that you can attend more of the sessions that interest you and not miss out on what is most important. Additional information will be available shortly so please visit www.amug.com often.

Please consider participating as a speaker or trainer. To submit an abstract or workshop program, contact the appropriate track leader listed below. The individual track leaders will review the objectives of your topic and respond with available speaking or workshop sessions that are appropriate. Each speaker will be required to submit an abstract to the AMUG Agenda Committee for final approval.

If you do not find an obvious track for your topic, please contact the AMUG Agenda Team at agenda@amug.com.

Volunteers – AMUG Needs You

The AMUG Conference is made possible year after year solely by the support of volunteers. So once again, we are looking for volunteers to support the AMUG Conference both before and during the event. To make the coming event a huge success, please consider volunteering your time for the 2019 AMUG Conference.

What type of volunteer work do we need?

At the conference, there are several opportunities to help out, such as helping with registration bag stuffing, moderating sessions, assisting in set up and tear down of the AMUGexpo and helping to staff the registration desk.

We also turn to the list of people that have raised their hand to volunteer to fill some of our positions on committees, like our Nominating Committee, Scholarship Committee and Marketing Committee.

If you’ve already reached out to us in the past year, we will be getting back in touch with you soon with more specifics. If you’d like to offer your support as a volunteer, please email the AMUG Secretary, Leslie Frost, at secretary@amug.com.

EOS Unveils EOS M 300 Series for Digital Industrial AM Production

Unveiled at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, IL, EOS launched the EOS M 300-4, the first system of the EOS M 300 series, a new, modular, metal 3D printing platform. The EOS M 300 series is an automation-ready, future-proof platform that is configurable, scalable, secure, and built to serve a variety of manufacturing fields, including aerospace, industry, medical, tooling and automotive. Featuring four lasers and a build volume of 300 x 300 x 400 mm, the EOS M 300-4 offers a full-field overlap with four scanners, enabling the lasers to reach all spots on the build plate.

Tobias Abeln, chief technical officer (CTO), emphasizes, “With its modular set-up and its scalable and flexible concept, the new system line clearly focuses on the high customer demands for AM production. It sets a clear focus on productivity, and lowest costs-per-part and was developed for automation and (software) integration in current and future factories.”

Read the full press release.

The New EOS M 300-4.

BASF Continues to Rapidly Expand its Reach in 3D-printing through Collaboration and Acquisitions

BASF is investing US$25 million in Materialise as they seek to continuously improve materials and software for various 3D-printing technologies. The partnership targets a significant reduction in time-to-market of new products and technologies. Both companies are focusing on applications in the consumer goods sector as well as in the automotive and aviation industries.

In addition, BASF has acquired Advanc3D Materials and Setup Performance, two manufacturers of 3D-printing materials. Advanc3D Materials offers advanced, tailor-made plastic powders and formulations for selective laser sintering (SLS), while Setup Performance is their most important partner in the development and manufacture of SLS materials. With these two acquisitions, BASF is expanding its market access in the area of power bed fusion.

To learn more about these recent announcements, check out these press releases:

• Optimizing materials and software for 3D printing
• BASF acquires two manufacturers of 3D printing materials

For more information, please contact us at 3d-printing@basf.com.

BASF is investing $25 million in Materialise.

Formlabs Releases Digital Factory Report at Chicago Roadshow

Digitization has already reconfigured the communication, entertainment, advertising, and finance industries. Manufacturing is next. Connected machinery, additive manufacturing, and advanced data analytics can turn software and data into crucial drivers of value for manufacturers. Industrial firms that understand new digital business models will thrive, while those that don’t will be left behind.

The Digital Factory Report presents a coherent vision for how additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and advanced automation will transform manufacturing, based on insights from the experts who have appeared on the Digital Factory stage. They will have a profound impact not just on manufacturing itself, but on the entire product lifecycle, whose stages from initial design through aftermarket service are becoming increasingly integrated through software.

Download the Digital Factory Report or read one of its included articles on transforming manufacturing.

New Digital Factory Report available for downloading.

Accelerating Industrial Additive Manufacturing

Metal additive manufacturing is maturing rapidly to become a regular production technology, the recent IMTS show made this crystal clear. When applications shift from single parts being prototyped to small- and large-series production, process and equipment requirements change from manual flexibility to automated predictability and integrated reproducibility. With its growing installed base in the aerospace, automotive and high-tech component industries, Additive Industries’ MetalFAB1™ system has proven its added value in the domain of industrial parts production.

During IMTS, on our display we had a working MetalFAB1 Process and Application Development Tool processing IN718 with four lasers covering the entire 420 X 420 mm part bed. We also presented at the AM Conference that Additive Industries is ready to step up the game and focus on traditional manufacturing metrics like OEE and productivity in order to beat competing conventional technologies like casting and machining on their own turf.

MetalFAB1.

Reliable Composite 3D Printing Just Got More Affordable

In case you hadn’t noticed, the manufacturing industry’s enthusiasm for carbon fiber material is only going in one direction – up. That’s probably why sales of carbon fiber composites are projected to exceed 290,000 tons by 2024, according to a Global Market Insights report.

That hasn’t gone unnoticed by makers of additive manufacturing technology. More 3D printing companies are catering to the need with new carbon fiber materials and hardware. What’s been lacking, however, is a carbon fiber 3D printer that provides the consistency and production capacity manufacturers need at a cost-effective price point.

That’s now changed with the introduction of the Stratasys Fortus 380mc Carbon Fiber Edition. It’s an industrial-grade printer priced for affordability that prints exclusively with carbon-filled nylon 12 material. It aims to give more manufacturers access to reliable carbon fiber 3D printing.

The new Fortus 380mc Carbon Fiber Edition was recently shown at IMTS 2018, but if you didn’t see it in Chicago, you can get a closer look in this press release.

Brake pedal, made with Carbon-fiber-filled nylon 12, produced on a Fortus 380MC Carbon Fiber Edition printer.

Additive at the Cutting Edge of Joint Replacement Surgery

German medical devices company, endocon, has incorporated DMLM additive manufacturing technology to address hip cup extraction. The endoCupCut reimagines the cup removal process, which can often still involve the use of a chisel, risking bone and tissue damage and an uneven surface that makes implant reinsertion difficult. The new device improves product reliability, cost savings and the patient and clinician experience:

• Reduced surgery time from around half an hour to just three minutes
• Significantly improved mechanical properties of the blades in contrast to casting
• Decreased production time from 3 ½ months to 3 weeks
• Cost reduction per blade by around 40-45%
• Lowering the rejection rate from 30% to under 3%

www.ge.com/additive

endoCupCut tool for hip cup extraction was made with DMLM.

Renishaw Opens Additive Manufacturing Demo Center in California

Renishaw, a leading manufacturer of advanced metal additive manufacturing (AM) systems, has opened a new Additive Manufacturing Demonstration Center in Newbury Park, California. Working in collaboration with Ibex Engineering, the Demonstration Center is situated within Ibex’s headquarters and allows visitors to explore, interact with and use Renishaw’s latest metal additive manufacturing systems.

The center will be equipped to print high-precision titanium (Ti64Al4V) parts on Renishaw’s RenAM 500 series of laser-powder-bed-fusion AM systems. Ideal for industrial production applications, the RenAM 500 series allows for powder sieving and recirculation to be carried out automatically within the compact system, reducing the need for manual handling and exposure to materials.

To provide a complete picture of the metal additive manufacturing process, the center will also feature ancillary elements such as wet downdraft, heat treatment, support, machining and inspection technology, and part removal equipment. Read the full story here .

New California Demonstration Center located within Ibex Engineering’s headquarters.

Introducing HP Metal Jet Technology!

At IMTS 2018, HP Inc. launched HP Metal Jet, the world’s most advanced 3D printing technology for high-volume manufacturing of production-grade metal parts. Providing up to 50 times more productivity at low cost, HP Metal Jet is being deployed by manufacturing leaders GKN Powder Metallurgy and Parmatech for the factory production of final parts. Customers placing orders include Volkswagen and Wilo and innovative vertical market leaders such as Primo Medical Group and OKAY Industries.

Learn more.

Volkswagen gearshift knob produced with HP Metal Jet.

3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions Announce DMP Factory 500

3D Systems and Georg Fischer AG’s Division GF Machining Solutions announced their first joint solution, the DMP Factory 500, a scalable manufacturing system designed to transform metal manufacturing  through simplified workflows to build higher quality, seamless metal parts up to 500 mm x 500 mm x 500 mm with lower total cost of operation.

The DMP Factory 500 is a customizable solution comprised of five function-specific modules: Printer Module, Removable Print Module, Powder Management Module, Transport Module, and Parking Module. The modular design of the DMP Factory 500 enables continuous function of all metal 3D printing and powder management modules to maximize uptime, throughput and operational value. In addition, the DMP Factory 500 system includes seamless data connectivity with all major ERP systems to facilitate supply chain optimization.

The new DMP Factory 500, a joint solution with GF Machining Solutions.

Fast Radius and Carbon Partner to Reimagine the Award-Winning Steelcase SILQ Chair

These days, it’s crucial that design-driven companies have the freedom to build next-gen products on the means of production, at scale. That is why Steelcase engaged Fast Radius and Carbon to explore how additive manufacturing could improve the product development process and differentiate its products in the market.

The outcome? A re-designed and re-engineered custom arm cap for the award-winning Steelcase SILQ Office Chair that aligns the design of the chair with human physiology.

The armrest was designed in four zones that provided different attributes based on how a person’s arm might interact with it. Carbon’s proprietary Digital Light Synthesis™ technology enabled Fast Radius to print the entire armrest as one cohesive part, and the use of lattices reduced material usage by up to 70% without sacrificing performance while greatly reducing the time it takes to bring the product to life.

To learn more, visit www.carbon3d.com.

Steelcase SILQ features arm caps produced with Digital Light Synthesis technology.

Additive Manufacturing Advances into Production

What is the case for making production parts using additive manufacturing? Is it the design freedom that allows for consolidating assemblies and optimizing geometries for weight savings? Is it the chance to explore new materials? It is all of these things—but only where the economics make sense. The answer is “Yes” on all counts when it comes to the philosophy driving today’s AM producers and the impetus behind the Metal Jet 3D printer launched by HP last week. Read Additive Manufacturing’s report on this production system and find examples of manufacturers succeeding with 3D printing end-use parts at scale in the September issue.

The roller finger of an automotive valve train repeated across this issue’s cover is an example of a part potentially viable for production via metal AM.

Boston Event Pass

DEVELOP3D LIVE is taking place in Boston on October 2, giving you the chance to find out about the bleeding edge of product development and the latest software and additive manufacturing technologies.

AMUG Members receive free tickets to the event: Use the code AMUG56t, when prompted at checkout,  for your free pass.

Talk topics include:

• Designing for 3D printing
• The latest metals and polymers technologies
• Part inspection and verification
• Securing the entire digital workflow

D3D LIVE 2017 featured talks from the likes of automotive AM experts Hackrod.

3D Metal Printing Primed for formnext

The fall issue of 3D Metal Printing previews formnext, November 13-16 in Frankfurt, Germany, additive manufacturing’s (AM’s) largest international event. We’ll be distributing the fall issue at the show, and our editors will be onsite, reporting on the latest metal AM technologies and happenings. Be sure to stop by booth 3.0-J70 to pick up an issue, subscribe to 3DMP and find information on coming events and other magazine offerings.

Our website and social media platforms also feature the latest content, including AM technology we spied at IMTS 2018, and will relay formnext news and technology before, during and after the show.

www.3dmpmag.com

Technology 3DMP’s editors spied in IMTS’s Additive Manufacturing Pavilion included Optomec’s new LENS 860 Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere system.

TCT Show 2018 – 5 days to go!

This time next week, TCT Show 2018 will be in full swing as an anticipated 10,000 professionals descend on the NEC, Birmingham, UK, to do business and learn what’s new in the design-to-manufacturing world. Many companies have already announced major product launches and UK firsts, and we are told there are plenty more to come across the three days.

Accompanying a packed show floor with 250 exhibitors, our three-stage conference program features a stellar line-up of keynote presentations from the likes of Airbus, BMW and the Natural History Museum, discussing technology developments and real-world applications. The main stage will also host a special TCT Hall of Fame panel session exploring the future of AM with this year’s inductees Professor Emanuel Sachs, Greg Morris and Dr. Carl Deckard. To join us on 25-27^th September, register for your free ticket here.

Attendees eager to enter TCT Show 2017.

Interested in Binder-based Metal AM Technologies? Discover the Parallels with MIM in PIM International Magazine

PIM International, the sister publication to Metal AM magazine, is dedicated to the world of metal (MIM) and ceramic (CIM) injection molding. With the new generation of metal AM technologies, including HP’s Metal Jet system, being so closely related to MIM, PIM International offers in-depth, free-to-access content of direct relevance to these solutions.

Don’t miss the current issue of PIM International, featuring:

• Design for MIM: Ten rules to save time, reduce costs and improve quality
• The future of PIM: Innovations and opportunities at Arburg’s second PIM conference
• Ultrafuse 316LX: BASF’s ‘Catamold^® on a spool’ presents opportunities for MIM producers
• A review of the sintering behavior of selected tool steels

View this issue online or visit the PIM International website to download a PDF version.

PIM International magazine provides MIM insights applicable to metal AM.

RAPID + TCT 2019 Call for Speakers

RAPID + TCT 2019 is now accepting speaker applications! Become a part of the select group of presenters dedicated to the advancement of additive manufacturing. The RAPID + TCT 2019 Conference is where thousands of manufacturing professionals come to learn about the newest technologies, materials, and applications in additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection, and related technologies.

There is no better place to share your innovative research, case study, or application. Become a RAPID + TCT 2019 speaker and influence the future of 3D technologies at one of the most respected additive manufacturing conferences in the world. Submit your abstract by October 19, 2018, to be considered.

Learn more.

Speaker applications are being accepted through October 19.

IMTS Starts Conference Season with a Bang

September marked the beginning of the conference and trade show season, and with almost 1.5 million sq. ft. dedicated to advanced manufacturing technology, IMTS was quite the start.

3D Printing Industry reporters spent the week at Chicago’s IMTS to see firsthand how additive manufacturing has grown since the show’s previous edition in 2016. AM exhibitors have more than doubled in number and several took the opportunity to announce new machines – including EOS, HP, Velo3D and 3D Systems. However, it was a statement by DMG Mori President Dr. Mori that stood out. You can read more about Dr. Mori’s predictions for the AM industry on our site.

3D Printing Industry will be at every major show from now until the end of the year. If you want to arrange a meeting please do get in contact.

AM is reaching new heights at IMTS.

What 3D Printing Needs to be a Serious Tool for Manufacturing

John Kawola, president of Ultimaker North America, discusses the role 3D printing can have in manufacturing. Asked about  the value of a “manufacturing minute”, Kawola replied:

 “3D printers are purchased the same way a lot of other productivity tools are purchased in engineering, and design, and manufacturing; similar to CAD software, and other products. It’s all about saving time, getting to a better design, saving money. We want to try to find a way to quantify that in some meaningful way. We put together some data. We looked at some industries like automotive.”

To read the entire interview, check out the online article.

John Kawola, president of Ultimaker North America.