January 2026
President’s Report
The start of a new year brings opportunity for a reset. For some, it’s a time to set goals and resolutions. For others, it’s a time to step out of a difficult year with ambition to make the new year more fulfilling, healing, or encouraging. Whatever it may be for you, I wish you great success in executing your mission!
For me, I was met with some storms and high waters…and yet, on the other side, I chose to be stronger by placing one foot in front of the other. I made it, I made it!!
Shannon VanDeren
President
As we place one foot in front of the other, what is our destination and what might be some ways that we reach it? It’s surely different for each of us. We all have different goals; we all have different skills; we all have different gifts; and we all have different commitments.
For those affiliated with AMUG, we have one thing in common: a desire to grow the additive industry and its impact. Why? Certainly for professional success, but perhaps we want to contribute to growth and legacy. Or maybe we want to be part of developing new solutions to be used by industry peers, or we want to be part of growing the workforce. Another motivation, perhaps, is that we want to be contributors to things larger than our direct efforts with our employer. The list can be so much longer.
“The smallest action is better than the greatest intention,” according to Buddha. “Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned,” said Peter Marshall. Have you been thinking about trying something new or giving a little more of yourself for a greater mission but just haven’t done it yet? Maybe 2026 is that year?
I shared a “to-do list” last month. This wasn’t to dictate your actions, but to act as a helpful tool so as not to miss a task or opportunity. This month, I’m encouraging you to think about taking action toward a greater mission in your life to be a light for others. If talking specifically about AMUG, perhaps that is your consideration for running for a board position. We have four open positions this year: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Director of Membership. The first three are members of the four-seat executive board. The President, Vice President, and Director of Membership are elected by membership vote. The board appoints the Treasurer but still requires submissions of interest.
Do you have the ability to serve the AMUG community for a two-year term? It is a TEAM position. No position has any direct control over any vote. It is always a board vote to make decisions, with each member sharing their feedback, asking questions, studying, and voting at the scheduled time. Each of us (the outgoing board members) has been a member of AMUG and grew to love its impact and its relevance in the additive community. Each of us chose to give back to this organization and serve. Does this interest you? Can you be part of this board for the next two years? Do you have questions about it? Our Nominating Committee is more than happy to discuss (all members are previous board members), and of course, I’d be happy to discuss with you as well. If you’ve been thinking about it. Maybe 2026 is your year to dive in?
Our event in Reno is coming up quickly! We continue to see new registrations from both sponsors and attendees. Please do keep them coming. We have a great event lined up with excellent contributors and wonderful opportunities to network amongst industry peers. And being in a new venue is exciting in itself… change can be wonderfully healthy. We heard your pleas to move AMUG to a new location and made the change. Reno is warmly welcoming our community—do you know that even the Tourism Board has offered us a very friendly financial gift for bringing each of you to their community!
If you need anything from us as you navigate your decision-making and/or registration, we welcome the opportunity to assist.
You are the reason we continue to build…
Shannon VanDeren
President
President@amug.com
Don’t Miss the Standard Rate—Register by February 6
Planning ahead isn’t just smart; it pays off! Register for the 2026 AMUG Conference by February 6 to secure the standard rate of $1,495 before the price increases. Whether you are attending solo or coordinating a team, now is the time to commit. AMUG continues to deliver an all-inclusive environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and meaningful connections.
We look forward to welcoming you and your team to Reno!
Save with registration by February 6.
Tuesday Keynote Announced
We are excited to announce a keynote presentation that brings together automotive, defense, and AMUG connections on Tuesday, March 17, at AMUG 2026.
Steve Fournier and Scott Sawyer will deliver the keynote titled “From Hypercars to Defense Drones: How Two Major Industry Innovators Started Their Partnership Journey at AMUG.”
Steve is the Senior Manager, Additive Manufacturing at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Scott, a former General Atomics employee, is Director of Programs at Divergent Aerospace and Defense. Together, they will share how the automotive-aerospace connection was made and what has resulted from this partnership.
A key element of their keynote presentation is rooted in AMUG being a forum where AM users, from multiple disciplines and industries, come together to share achievements and learning. But they ponder, “How effective is the knowledge transfer at such an industry event, and what does it amount to in terms of industrial growth, differentiated capabilities, and business revenue pursuits?
To answer that question, they will share details on how their AMUG connection led to important and valuable business and product transformations by learning from each other and identifying applicable AM technology transfers across vastly different product lines.
And fingers crossed, they may showcase hardware representative of the products that emerged from their AMUG-initiated partnership.
Make sure to register for AMUG 2026 to hear this intriguing presentation.
Tuesday keynote presenters:
Steve Fournier (top) and Scott Sawyer of General Atomics and Divergent, respectively.
Deadline Approaching—Join the AMUG Board of Directors
This is your chance to get more involved, help shape the future of AMUG, and work with an energetic group of volunteers who are passionate about AM.
Open Board positions include:
- President
- Vice President
- Treasurer (nominations now closed)
- Director of Membership
Members who are passionate about AMUG’s mission are encouraged to apply. Each role plays a vital part in supporting AMUG’s programs, events, and member engagement.
Submission of Interest forms must be completed by January 24 for all elected positions.
If you’re ready to contribute your experience, ideas, and leadership to AMUG, don’t delay. Submit your interest today! Learn more at amug.com/elections.
AMUG Board candidates introducing themselves for the 2025 election.
Final Reminder: AMUG Scholarship Applications Closing Soon
Deadline: January 16, 2026
The AMUG Scholarship Program is nearing its application deadline, and we don’t want anyone to miss this opportunity to be part of something truly impactful. Applications for the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship (students) and the Randy Stevens Scholarship (educators) close on January 16, 2026.
These scholarships represent more than financial support—they reflect AMUG’s long-standing commitment to education, mentorship, and the future of AM. By connecting students and educators with the AMUG Conference experience, the program helps bridge the gap between learning and real-world application while strengthening the community that makes AMUG unique.
If you know a student exploring additive manufacturing or an educator shaping the next generation of innovators, please encourage them to apply before the deadline. Visit the scholarships page to learn more and apply.
Colleen Murray and Justin Levy, 2025 scholarship winners.
AMUG 2026: A New Era of Innovation
The conference’s preliminary agenda is now live!
The AMUG 2026 preliminary agenda has officially arrived! This year, we are bringing a fresh perspective to the conference.
As you browse the program, you will notice a streamlined track structure. We have evolved our categories to better reflect the integrated nature of modern manufacturing. While some of our “legacy” track names have been retired, the content certainly hasn’t disappeared. Instead, those vital topics have been rolled into our core tracks to foster better cross-industry collaboration and more comprehensive technical discussions.
What Attendees Can Expect
This year’s programming is designed to push the boundaries of what is possible in AM. Our 14 tracks cover the full spectrum of the industry:
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Explore sessions on AI-driven design, multi-material printing, and advanced monitoring.
- Industry-Specific Applications: Real-world implementations across Aerospace, Automotive, Healthcare, Defense, and Energy.
- Materials & Process Innovations: Deep dives into metal powders, large-scale WAAM, and post-processing advancements.
- Business & Strategy: Critical guidance on ROI, global governance, and scaling for serial production.
- Hands-On Learning: Our signature hands-on workshops return with a focus on GD&T, standards, and practical finishing techniques.
6 of the Most Anticipated Presentations
To help you plan your week, here are five sessions generating significant buzz for 2026:
- Panel: Multi-Sensor In Situ Monitoring for Part Qualification
- Why it’s hot: It tackles the “holy grail” of AM—accelerating qualification for critical aerospace and defense parts.
- AI-Driven Reverse Engineering & Qualification
- Why it’s hot: A deep look at how AI is transforming design validation and speeding up certification.
- Scaling Up: Serial Production for Hypercar Heat Exchangers
- Why it’s hot: A masterclass in high-performance automotive manufacturing at a true production scale.
- Fact vs. Fiction: Will Bioprinting Shape the Next Frontier?
- Why it’s hot: An honest look at the future of bioprinting and its potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector.
- Additive Hard Knocks: Lessons Learned from America Makes and Its Projects
- Why it’s hot: America Makes tackles some of the defense industry’s most challenging problems.
- Workshop: Using Silicone Molds and Casting combined with 3D Printing
- Why it’s hot: Get hands-on experience implementing AM into traditional manufacturing workflows.
Pre-Conference Trainings Available
Take advantage of our pre-conference trainings and arrive at AMUG 2026 ready to maximize your experience. This year’s lineup includes three in-depth options designed to deliver expert insights and hands-on learning before the main event begins. Space is limited, and each training requires a separate registration. Click here to learn more and reserve your seat.
AM Academy: Technology Identification, Suitability & Applications in Additive Manufacturing
ASTM: Unlock Navy Contracts: Become a Qualified Supplier Using Directed Energy Deposition and Powder Bed Fusion
MSOE: Practical AI: From Core Concepts to Modern Models
Three pre-conference training sessions are available.
AMUGderby—Register Now
The AMUGderby returns for another competitive night of racing! For highlights from the 2025 competition, check out this YouTube video.
Similar to the 2025 event, AMUG 2026 will feature a standard class and an open class that allows additional car modifications, such as on-board propulsion and increased weight. Awards will be given to the fastest car in each class, and judges will also select a winner for the “best design” award.
The race will take place during AMUG 2026 on March 18 (Wednesday). For race rules and race registration, visit the AMUGderby page.
Racers: register for the AMUGderby.
Hotel Reservations—Book your Room
Make your reservations for the Grand Sierra Resort, where the conference and all activities will take place. We’ve secured a special rate of just $159/night (plus tax) with no resort fees for conference nights (Sunday, March 15 – Thursday, March 19). For those arriving early or extending their stay, weekend rates of $279/night** (plus tax) apply to Friday and Saturday reservations.
**AMUG has a limited number of rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis at a discounted rate of $159/night for attendees arriving early on Friday, March 13, and/or Saturday, March 14. See the link below for additional details.
The Grand Sierra Resort offers fantastic amenities, including a pool, spa, casino, bowling alley, and numerous dining options. Plus, it’s a great home base for exploring local attractions like Lake Tahoe, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, and the historic “Old West” mining town of Virginia City, all less than an hour away.
For more information on AMUG’s official 2026 conference hotel, and to make your reservations, visit the Grand Sierra Resort page on our website.
Make your hotel reservations at the Grand Sierra Resort for AMUG 2026.
Interested in Skiing While in Reno-Tahoe?
AMUG, together with our meetings and events services company, Red Oak, is working on a group ski trip with discounted tickets and transportation from the resort.
We are just gauging interest at this point, as we’d need a minimum of 30 participants to make it worthwhile for everyone.
The outing would be a ski trip to Palisades Tahoe, which is 60 minutes from the Grand Sierra Resort. The trip would include a full-day lift ticket plus round-trip transportation.
We are thinking of doing the ski trip on the Saturday before the conference (March 14), but the Friday after (March 20) is also possible. Let us know which is best for you.
If you are interested, please let us know by completing this form. With enough interest (approximately 30), Red Oak can put together the group package and work on official registration.
Interested in other Reno/Tahoe activities? Check out the Visit Reno/Tahoe site for ideas to make the most of your time in the area (outdoor adventures, indoor attractions, shows, shopping, and more).
Palisades Tahoe is an optional trip for skiing (or snowboarding).
SPONSOR NEWS
Stratasysstratasys.com
Stratasys Digital Anatomy™ Technology Powers First 3D-Printed Eyelid Surgery Training Models in Europe
Austrian medical training and innovation company Addion GmbH, together with Eyecer.at GmbH, has adopted a Stratasys Digital Anatomy™ Solution to create Europe’s first 3D-printed anatomical eye models for eyelid surgery training. The solution, already implemented by the Anatomical Institute of the University of Innsbruck, enables surgeons and medical students to practice delicate procedures with exceptional accuracy and realism, supporting better outcomes for both patients and trainees.
Using Stratasys’ PolyJet™ technology, Addion can reproduce the intricate anatomy of the human eye and surrounding tissues—including skin, muscle, and fat layers—with lifelike precision. By incorporating dynamic features such as simulated blood flow within printed tissue, the company is helping surgeons experience the tactile and visual challenges of real procedures in a controlled, repeatable environment.
Learn more about Stratasys Medical 3D Printing Solutions.
Lifelike 3D-printed anatomical models are helping healthcare institutions reduce costs, eliminate logistical barriers, and accelerate learning.
AMT PostProamtechnologies.com
PostPro Vapor Smoothing for ULTEM™ Applications
ULTEM™ 9085 has long been a material of choice for AM applications where performance is non-negotiable, particularly in aerospace and defense, where strength, flame resistance, and thermal stability are critical. Yet, finishing parts made from this polymer has remained a challenge for many AM users.
AMT has now demonstrated that ULTEM™ 9085 parts can be reliably post-processed using its vapor smoothing technology in combination with PostPro Pure, its sustainable and FDA-approved consumable. The process delivers consistent surface refinement without compromising material integrity, helping to reduce surface layers and improve functional performance.
This capability enables manufacturers to finish ULTEM™ 9085 parts for demanding end-use environments. In addition to enhanced surface quality, vapor smoothing helps improve the mechanical properties of the part. For aerospace and defense applications, this provides a post-processing solution for high-performance polymer components.
Evaluate vapor smoothing on your own parts with AMT’s free benchmarking test.
Vapor-smoothed ULTEM™ 9085 component processed with the PostPro SF100 using the PostPro Pure consumable.
GoEngineergoengineer.com
BLT Metal AM Drives Next-Level Supercar Engineering
What happens when cutting-edge AM meets supercar performance? BYD’s Yangwang U9X just answered that question in jaw-dropping fashion by shattering speed records and redefining what’s possible for electric vehicles, including completing a Nürburgring lap under seven minutes with a top speed over 300 mph.
The secret? A revolutionary HyperCell frame, created with advanced metal 3D printing by Bright Laser Technologies (BLT). This aerospace-inspired design delivers incredible strength, lighter weight, and precision engineering that pushes performance to the extreme.
From integrated body structures to optimized brake components, this isn’t just innovation. It’s a glimpse into the future of automotive design.
Dive into the full story.
BYD Supercar.
MEDIA SPONSOR NEWS
3D ADEPT3dadept.com
Shape Trusted AM Market Visibility for 2026 with 3D ADEPT Media
Qualification cycles, TRL maturity, industrial adoption, certification pathways, and OEM or investor perception are not built overnight.
They require continuous education, credible storytelling, and consistent industry visibility.
In a fast-moving AM landscape, 3D ADEPT Media provides a trusted platform to support these objectives and help AM companies strengthen their market positioning globally.
We connect your message to the right audience through:
- 200,000+ monthly page views focused on industrial AM insights that matter
- A premium magazine (digital & print), distributed worldwide at a dozen partner events
- A wide range of digital formats: Additive Talks, webinars, newsletters, video interviews, and rich media content
- A truly international reach: 33% Americas, 61% Europe, 5% Asia
As companies are shaping their 2026 communication strategies, now is the right time to explore media partnerships designed for long-term credibility, not just short-term exposure.
Contact us at laura.d@3dadept.com to request the 2026 media pack and reach the engineers, decision-makers, and executives shaping the AM market.
The TCT Groupthetctgroup.com
Kickstart Your 2026 with Exclusive AM Insights
Happy New Year from team TCT! To kickstart 2026 right, we’re offering AMUG Members a 50% discount on a 12-month TCT Executive Membership subscription.
TCT Executive Members receive full access to TCT’s premium long-form industry analysis, a monthly Members-Only podcast (commencing this month), discounts on all paid TCT events, commenting privileges on all digital content, and the magazine that started it all, reimagined for the future of AM, printed and delivered directly to you four times a year.
Members can access exclusive articles like these:
- Can we stop calling post-processing AM’s ‘dirty little secret’?
- What impact has venture capital investment had on additive manufacturing?
- Carbon CEO talks investment and teases ‘completely new’ 3D printing technology
Simply subscribe here, and your discount will be automatically applied.
Discount on Executive Membership subscription for AMUG Members.
3Dnatives3dnatives.com
How is 3D Printing Transforming Water Infrastructure?
You learned it in science class: water is the foundation of life. This renewable resource is often taken for granted, since for many of us, it is easily accessible with a turn of the tap. However, the infrastructure that delivers clean drinking water, as well as the infrastructure that deals with wastewater, requires complex engineering.
Globally, many water infrastructure systems face aging systems that need maintenance, or in some cases, replacement. These systems can be troubled by leaks, inefficiency, and high costs. Add environmental goals to the mix, and you have an elaborate question to answer: how can a community create efficient, secure, affordable, and sustainable water infrastructure?
Increasingly, engineers have been exploring 3D printing as a solution. The technology is attractive for building and maintaining infrastructure because it offers faster and more customizable options. To learn more, check out the full article here.
3D printing is being used to create membrane filters, distribution chambers, and more.
VoxelMattersvoxelmatters.com
VoxelMatters Energy AM Focus 2025 eBook
In our final eBook of 2025, we are looking at the energy sector, where AM technologies—metal AM in particular—are transitioning from prototyping and development to production. The energy sector itself comprises different segments, including nuclear, oil & gas, renewables, and the emerging fusion segment. AM is taking on an increasingly important role in each of these areas, enabling on-demand spare parts production, design-optimized assemblies, and advanced production capabilities.
In this eBook, we are pleased to present an array of original stories about AM in energy. As usual, we start with our analysis chapter, which explores how each energy segment is using metal AM and how the market as a whole is growing at a promising rate. Next, we present a deep dive into FOMAS Group’s gas atomized metal alloys that meet the stringent requirements of energy applications, including nickel- and cobalt-based powders.
In our mapping chapter, we cover 10 leading AM adopters from the global energy industry, ranging from nuclear players like Westinghouse to oil & gas giants like Shell. Next, we are excited to present insights from MadeInAdd about how their on-demand metal AM services are helping customers in the energy industry benefit from more agile part procurement and minimized plant downtimes.
Finally, we turn to 3D Systems and its Direct Metal Production (DMP) and investment casting pattern solutions, which are unlocking opportunities and greater efficiency in the energy and decarbonization sectors.
VoxelMatters’ Energy AM eBook can be viewed or downloaded by clicking here.
Energy AM eBook now available.
Engineering.comengineering.com
AM in 2025: A Year in Review
The takeaway: 3D printing optimism seems warranted, but challenges remain.
Read the article here for the 2025 activities and insights that support this view.
Metal AM magazinemetal-am.com
Discover the Winter 2025 Issue of PIM International Magazine
This latest 104-page issue includes all the latest news from the world of MIM, CIM, and sinter-based AM, along with the following articles:
- Element 22: Mastering titanium component production with Metal Injection Moulding and Additive Manufacturing
- Advancing industrialisation: Binder Jetting at the forefront of a maturing sinter-based AM landscape
- Tailored feedstocks for MIM, CIM and sinter-based AM: How Blesol Tech is responding to market requirements
- Cleaner semiconductor etching: Bosch Advanced Ceramics’ two-part AM injector produced with Lithoz technology
Get your free PDF download here.
PIM International Winter Edition.
3D Printing Industry3dprintingindustry.com
AM in 2025: What Really Changed and What Comes Next
Happy New Year from 3D Printing Industry.
We’re starting 2026 with two annual staples: a clear-eyed review of 2025 and our forward-looking outlook for the year ahead. Our 2025 retrospective captures the key developments month by month; for a faster read, begin with the Executive Summary.
We’ll publish our economic forecast and trends to watch later this month. We’ve also gone back to last year’s Future of 3D Printing predictions to assess performance with hindsight. Want your view represented in the 2026 series? Contact us to contribute.
2025 in Review: What mattered most in AM.
3DPrint.com3dprint.com
How 3D Printing is Making the World a Better Place, One Medical Innovation at a Time
One of the most significant sectors for 3D printing applications is the healthcare field. According to an AM Research report, the 3D printed medical device market is estimated to reach $16.5 billion by 2034, and it “has facilitated the production of personalized medical devices, reduced development costs, fostered innovation in advanced devices, and improved accessibility to prosthetics.”
Medical and dental 3D printing were important tracks at our 2025 Additive Manufacturing Strategies event, and will be again for the 2026 AMS conference. So, as we prepare for a new year, we highlight some of the many ways additive technology was used to make the world a better place in 2025, with a specific focus on healthcare.
Click here to read the whole article.
3D printing and medical innovation.
