December 2024
President’s Report
Happy December, AMUG friends! I know many of us are in the throws of this holiday season, celebrating Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, Saint Lucia Day, and Christmas. However and whatever you celebrate this time of year… I wish you ample joy and blessings!
Joy… the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune (according to Merriam-Webster). May this be abundant in your personal walk, as well as your professional journey. Here at AMUG, we are celebrating joyfully as we continue to accept registrations of both sponsors and attendees for our 2025 conference. While it may have been a slower start, impacted by a variety of situations, we are welcoming our industry colleagues with wide open arms! If you are using AM and/or offering a product or service related to additive, we have a team waiting to welcome you!
Booth selection has begun, and we are happily watching our sponsors choose the space that they desire amongst the salons within the Chicago Hilton. We continue to utilize our priority-point system to assign the order of booth selection – if you have registered and not yet been notified of your booth selection, it is coming.
Our speaker portal has closed, and we are happy to report that we have an abundance of submissions (more submissions than we have session slots). Our team of track leaders is reviewing the submissions to make the final determination of which ones will become part of the AMUG 2025 agenda. We are excited to share the presentations, panels, and workshops showcasing the varied options to learn and engage while with us in Chicago.
The DINO Selection Committee is still accepting nominations for the awards in 2025. If you feel inclined to submit a colleague who has contributed significantly to AM and also supports the AMUG event, share your nomination!
We’ve got FOUR board positions up for election in the coming year. If you have an interest in serving on the AMUG Board of Directors and one of these positions is a nice fit for your skill set/interests, please let us know. Our Nominating Committee is busy identifying strong candidates for your consideration to serve this organization for the next two years.
If I may be helpful to you in gathering information regarding AMUG, I welcome hearing from you…send me a note (president@amug.com), and I’ll get back to you quickly.
Make it a terrific second half of December!
Shannon VanDeren
President
President@amug.com
Shannon VanDeren
President
Register Today and Save
Although our early-bird pricing has ended, you can save $200 on AMUG Conference attendance if you register before February 15, 2025.
AMUG 2025 will be a conference unlike any other, with ample opportunities to network and unmatched educational sessions. We hope to see you there!
Save $200 by registering before February 15.
Your Chance to Make a Difference — Self-Nominate Today!
We are accepting applications for the open positions on the AMUG Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to contribute your expertise, vision, and passion to a community that thrives on collaboration and shared learning.
“Coming together as an industry will help us all grow…. Being on the AMUG Board allows you to give back and help to improve our industry!” Ed Graham, AMUG director of education & conference.
Nominate yourself today and join a dedicated team committed to shaping the future of AM!
The deadline to apply is January 24, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact the Nominating Committee at NomCom@amug.com.
2025 AMUG Technical Competition – Now Open for Submissions
The 2025 AMUG Technical Competition is officially open for submissions, and this is your chance to shine in the world of AM! A perennial highlight of AMUG Conferences, the Technical Competition offers a unique platform to showcase your creativity, skills, and passion for the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or an up-and-coming innovator, we encourage you to enter one (or both) of two categories:
- Advanced Concepts
- Advanced Finishing
By entering, you’re not just competing for recognition. First-place winners in both categories, along with the winner of the Members’ Choice Award, will receive a complimentary attendee registration for the next AMUG Conference!
Ready to Enter?
You can submit your entry today and explore all the details you need on the official competition page: 2025 AMUG Technical Competition. The page includes a submission link, photos of past winners and entries, a helpful FAQ section, and all the information you need to get started.
Deadline Alert:
Don’t miss your chance! The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 14 – mark your calendars and get your entries in before time runs out.
For questions or more information, feel free to reach out to us at TechComp@AMUG.com. We’re here to help!
Show us what you’ve got – your innovation could be the next big thing in AM!
Chris Baschuk of Point Design LLC (left), the 2024 Advanced Concepts winner, discussing his entry with Andrew Sliwa of Custom Prototypes, a four-time Technical Competition winnner.
Formnext Recap
Like every year, during the third week of November, the Formnext show took place in Germany.
It is still by far the largest dedicated AM and 3D printing show. This year, 864 exhibitors and 34,400 visitors came to the show, with international representation being nearly one-half.
AMUG had a booth within the U.S. Pavillion, and Shannon VanDeren and Jordan Weston were present throughout the show. Joining them were members of various committees who were there as contact points and curators of the latest trends and technologies. Among them were Chris Prue from the Membership Committee; Stefan Ritt, Andrew Graves, Daniel Landgraf, Ulf Lindhe, and Johannes Gartner from the International Committee; Dana McCallum from the Nominating Committee; Tim Ruffner and Dallas Martin from the Sponsor & Exhibitor Committee; and Carl Dekker from the DINO Selection Committee.
One of many visits with AMUG sponsors.
From left: Scott Kraemer, Shannon VanDeren, Juan Mario Gomez, and Jordan Weston.
The International Committee’s takeaways from Formnext are as follows:
Exhibitors and the Business of AM
Some big players and notable names were absent from the show floor. Word has it that some canceled on very short notice. Others were absent, or hard to find, due to the significant consolidation activity throughout the year. The roll-ups and name changes make it a bit challenging to keep tabs on the market. What wasn’t hard to notice was the Chinese presence in hardware, software, and materials.
Nevertheless, the hundreds of exhibitors and high attendance showed that the AM industry is “alive and kicking,” as they say.
Large-Format Machines
With their substantial size and the prevalence of large-format machines, particularly in powder bed fusion and wire arc (for metals), the growth in this AM segment was impossible to miss. The hardware was often accompanied by large, impressive parts, such as those for rocket engines.
Desktop Printers
Formnext has always had a significant showing in the desktop printers segment, and this year was no different. Countless suppliers were promoting these machines, often in a “print farm” operating mode, with FFF printers being very common.
Drawing the line between consumer and industrial solutions has become increasingly difficult and a topic for discussion.
Materials
Leading with impressive applications on display, materials were a hot topic. Spanning standard-grade to high-performance (both for plastics and metals), the range of possible applications (the “useability” of AM) is expanding as the material options grow.
On display at Formnext: EPlus3D’s (AMUG Platinum Sponsor with locations in Beijing, Hangzhou, Stuttgart, and Houston) 1.3m-tall thruster for LEAP 71 manufactured in AlSi10Mg on a 6-laser EP-M650-1600 Metal Powder Bed Fusion machine (Image source: EPlus3D).
Representation on the Show Floor
Unlike previous years when the Russian Territories were well-represented by those strolling the show floor, at Formnext 2024, their presence was minimal at best. This isn’t surprising with the current conflicts and EU embargoes.
For the second year in a row, Australia was a partner country of Formnext. This brought many AM companies up from “down under” to exhibit their products and services.
Joining AMUG at the show were a number of associations, including Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association and Women in 3D Printing. Convening a standardization meeting, ASTM and DIN/ISO were also well represented.
In summary, it was a hectic week packed with new information and networking. There was too little time for too many possible conversations. At the end of the week, we all went home with lost voices and sore throats, but we were happy and full of news and the latest tech impressions…news, trends, and insights for further discussion at AMUG 2025 in Chicago.
New Pre-Conference Training Announced
We are excited to announce the launch of another pre-conference training: Mapping AM Maturity hosted by AM Academy. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your expertise in polymers and metals or explore upcoming technologies, this training will offer valuable insights into the evolution of the industry and industrial applications.
As previously announced, ASTM is hosting Mastering Standards for AM Operations. The standards landscape for AM has evolved and expanded significantly. Learn how to leverage these standards effectively to enhance quality, ensure safety, and optimize daily workflows.
Both courses are interactive and discussion-based to teach practical skills that you can leverage every day. Don’t miss out—your next step toward growth starts before AMUG 2025 opens its doors!
For details, pricing, and registration, click here.
Two pre-conference courses are now available.
AMUG: A Platform for Innovation and Growth in AM
For over three decades, AMUG has been a cornerstone of innovation, providing companies in the AM industry with a platform to showcase groundbreaking technologies and solutions. Many of these innovations have evolved into critical applications in industrial settings, underscoring AMUG’s pivotal role in advancing the field.
Daniel Landgraf, director of sponsors & exhibitors, said, “Recognizing the importance of nurturing emerging ideas, AMUG will debut the Start-Up Launchpad at the 2025 AMUG Conference. This dedicated area within the AMUGexpo is for international start-ups to present new technologies and innovative solutions to a global audience. This initiative reflects AMUG’s commitment to fostering the next generation of innovation within the additive manufacturing ecosystem.”
We proudly announce that Toyota Production Engineering has stepped forward as the sponsor for this exciting new endeavor. With a long history of embracing and adapting advanced technologies, Toyota Production Engineering has demonstrated leadership in driving innovation, making it the perfect partner to support this initiative. This sponsorship highlights the critical role start-ups play in shaping the future of AM.
Dallas Martin, additive manufacturing engineer at Toyota Motor Corporation and longtime AMUG Member, said:
“Toyota Production Engineering is proud to sponsor AMUG because, as users of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, we see its huge potential for the industry. Additive manufacturing helps improve design flexibility, shorten lead times, and drive innovation. Supporting AMUG allows us to be part of a community that shares knowledge and encourages collaboration, helping everyone improve their AM skills.
We’re also excited to sponsor the startup area to foster innovation and push the industry even further. By supporting emerging companies, we can help them take their ideas to the next level and contribute to the continued growth and advancement of additive manufacturing.“
The AMUG Start-Up Launchpad promises to be a hub of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration. We look forward to witnessing the transformative ideas that will emerge and pave the way for the industry’s future.
Start-ups that are interested in being considered for the reduced-rate exposure at the AMUGexpo can get details on the Start-up Launchpad page.
See new AM companies in AMUG’s Start-Up Launchpad at the AMUGexpo.
Member Input Requested
Valuable input from the pre-conference survey we issued last month has been rolling in. This is one method AMUG uses to gain valuable feedback and interact with members.
If you haven’t completed the survey, please consider doing so via this link. With your input, we can work to drive a greater member experience at the AMUG Conference.
We look forward to hearing from you and catching up to chat as we start a new year and roll towards AMUG 2025
Happy Holidays from the Membership Committee.
Complete the pre-conference survey to let us know what is important to you.
SPONSOR NEWS
GoEngineergoengineer.com
GoEngineer Adds Formlabs Products to its Solutions Portfolio
GoEngineer, a recognized leader in providing best-in-class AM and engineering solutions, has partnered with Formlabs, a leader in 3D printing, to deliver the latest commercial and dental solutions in desktop SLA and SLS 3D printing across the U.S. and Canada.
“We are continually looking to provide cutting-edge, trusted technology to our customers and beyond,” says Mark Wolfley, executive vice president of manufacturing solutions at GoEngineer. “We are excited to add Formlabs to our portfolio of offerings as our customers’ projects demand a variety of solutions. The ecosystem Formlabs created builds on our mission to empower the creation of today’s products and tomorrow’s innovations.”
“Partnering with GoEngineer advances our mission to make it possible for anyone to bring their ideas to life,” said Brian Nies, head of North American Sales at Formlabs. “The network, coverage, and reputation GoEngineer has built will put Formlabs’ industry-leading 3D printers, tools, and materials in the hands of more engineers, designers, and innovators.”
This partnership will deliver Formlabs SLA and SLS technology across the U.S. and Canada to expand opportunities to transform ideas into reality.
Discover a new solution here.
Formlabs printers now available from GoEngineer.
DMG MORI USAdmgmori.com
Revolutionizing Manufacturing with DMG MORI’s LASERTEC DED Hybrid Series
DMG MORI’s innovative LASERTEC DED hybrid series represents a groundbreaking approach to machining transformation (MX). By seamlessly integrating turning, milling, and laser welding into a single workspace, these CNC laser machines redefine manufacturing efficiency and precision. With the ability to handle up to six-sided complete machining in one clamping, they eliminate the need for time-consuming repositioning and ensure exceptional accuracy.
At the heart of this technology is AM, where materials are applied using laser welding powder nozzles. This process enables the creation of complex geometries and diverse material applications that were once unimaginable. Once the additive phase is complete, parts are finished in the same machine, achieving the exact surface precision required.
This innovative combination of subtractive and additive processes not only enhances productivity but also expands design possibilities, making the LASERTEC DED hybrid series a game-changer in modern manufacturing.
Watch DMG MORI’s video to witness the transformation firsthand!
LASERTEC DED hybrid series in action.
Würth Additive Groupwurthadditive.com
Exploring the Future of AM with Würth Additive Group’s Metal Powder Innovations
Würth Additive Group (WAG) has introduced a cutting-edge metal powder designed to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing. Ideal for industries like aerospace and automotive, the material offers:
- Strength and Durability: Engineered for extreme conditions.
- Precision and Efficiency: Perfect for complex geometries with minimal waste.
- Sustainability: Supporting eco-friendly manufacturing solutions.
Discover more about this innovative product in WAG’s latest blog post, which highlights its impact on industrial applications.
Ready to elevate your AM capabilities? Visit WAG’s webstore to explore the full range of high-performance metal powders, thoughtfully curated to meet diverse industry needs.
SMEsme.org
AMUG VIP Program Extended in 2025!
Join us April 8-10 in Detroit as SME and AMUG come together once again to continue advancing AM. We’re also happy to announce we’ve extended our members-only AMUG VIP program for 2025!
Register today for AMUG 2025 (March 30-April 3 in Chicago) and RAPID + TCT 2025 (April 8-10 in Detroit), and you’ll receive a discounted registration of $780 for a RAPID + TCT full conference pass plus a special hotel rate and more!
We look forward to seeing you in Chicago and Detroit!
AMUG VIP program offers a discount when attending both AMUG 2025 and RAPID + TCT 2025.
Stratasysstratasys.com
Optimizing AM Productivity with GrabCAD
Stratasys recently announced major updates to GrabCAD Print™ and GrabCAD Print Pro™ software, expanding capabilities to support all five 3D printing technologies from Stratasys. With the addition of the Neo® stereolithography (SLA) platform, GrabCAD Print provides a unified software experience, enabling seamless transitions between 3D printers and helping customers achieve even greater efficiency in AM.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Sustainability Insights: GrabCAD Print now includes emissions estimations, currently for FDM with more technologies to come. This feature allows customers to calculate, review and optimize according to environmental footprint with data on carbon per part and build for each job.
- Expanded Platform Support: The software now integrates with Neo’s Titanium™ software, offering intuitive support generation, advanced file management, and precise print control.
- Enhanced User Experience: Features like job splitting and anchor placements bring higher precision and versatility to print preparation.
Recent GrabCAD updates empower customers to optimize workflows and align production processes with ESG and sustainability goals.
MEDIA SPONSOR NEWS
Digital Engineeringdigitalengineering247.com
On-Demand Manufacturing with AM
In the October/November issue of Digital Engineering, we take a look at how AM has enabled on-demand manufacturing models. In addition, we cover low-cost CAD options, online simulation training for engineers, and meet the winners of a Star Wars droid design contest.
Download the October/November issue.
This DE issue covers AM for on-demand manufacturing and more.
The TCT Groupthetctgroup.com
Your Source for Original AM Content in 2025
It’s been another rollercoaster year for the AM industry. From mergers and investments to new companies and applications, TCT Magazine has sought to be at the forefront of each of these developments with original insights shared through print, digital, newsletters, and podcasts. We hope you have found it valuable!
For 2025, we’re introducing a number of new features and have worked with our Editorial Advisory Board to ensure we’re delivering content that best serves our readers within the AM community.
If you’re not already, you can become a subscriber for free and get six issues of TCT Magazine delivered straight to your door throughout 2025, plus access to our weekly newsletters, including our exclusive TCT Deep Dives that feature AM stories that you won’t find anywhere else.
As we sign off for the Christmas break, we wish our TCT Magazine readers, partners, clients, speakers, and EAB members a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Turn to TCT Magazine for coverage and insights in AM.
Metal AM magazinemetal-am.com
Out Now: Winter 2024 Issue
This free-to-access, 184-page Winter issue of Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine features all the industry news highlights from the last quarter, plus the following exclusive deep-dive articles:
- Aluminium Additive Manufacturing: How a new generation of alloys will fuel industry growth
- Shaping a national AM ecosystem: The strategic growth of metal AM in Türkiye
- How metal AM is transforming modern hydraulic systems
- High-performance product development in the era of computational design: a case study with nTop and NASA
- The Additive Manufacturing of record-breaking pure copper heatsinks for high-performance computing applications
- The Additive Manufacturing of tool steels: how non-linear modelling enables precise hardness control
Get your free PDF download here.
Winter issue is now available.
Engineering.comengineering.com
Additive is a Key Component of Digital Manufacturing
Obviously, AM itself is not the sole driver of digital transformation; it is an essential part of a broader digital ecosystem that allows manufacturers to modernize their operations, optimize designs, and streamline production workflows.
One key trend in this shift is the varying rates of AM adoption across different regions. In the U.S., manufacturers tend to adopt new technologies like AM at a faster pace due to their willingness to take risks. “Companies in the U.S. are more willing to take risks and adopt technologies that are new to them,” said Michael Wohlfart, business development manager for EOS, an additive technologies company. “I see a lot more pragmatism there.”
Read the story here.
Selective laser sintering on the EOS P 810 industrial 3D printer. (Image source: EOS).
VoxelMattersvoxelmatters.com
VoxelMatters’ New eBook on AM for Sustainability is Out Now
The final 2024 eBook from VoxelMatters focuses on “AM for Sustainability,” highlighting how AM is driving ecological and sustainable practices across industries. Sustainability touches every corner of the AM industry, in some way or another, with virtually all AM companies having some sort of sustainable/ecological mission guiding them and their practices while many AM end users are leveraging the technology for good.
Topics include AM’s role in clean energy, coral reef restoration, and more. The eBook begins with insights from VoxelMatters Research on metal and polymer 3D printing for clean power. It explores Materialise’s digital workflows for sustainability, interviews with Coastruction (coral reef 3D printing), and Airtech’s director of AM Gregory Haye, and examines NANO Nuclear’s use of AM for nuclear energy nano reactor development. Other highlights include reclaimed powder production at Continuum Powders and LLNL’s research on AM for fusion energy. This comprehensive edition offers diverse perspectives on AM’s role in sustainability.
Download the eBook for free here or access all VoxelMatters AM Focus eBooks here.
New report on the sustainability and the AM market.
3Dnatives3dnatives.com
What Were the Most Innovative Startups in 2024?
2024 is coming to an end, and as we reflect on all that has happened over the course of the year, 3Dnatives wants to celebrate those who have stood out. For that reason, we want to give you the opportunity to choose your favorite, most-innovative startup from the year.
Check out the list of our twelve candidates, working in everything from tailor-made 3D-printed drugs to easier XXL metal AM, and be sure to vote!
3DPrint.com3dprint.com
AM Under Trump, First Thoughts: Reshoring
In this article, the first of a series, 3DPrint.com discusses how the new Trump administration may impact the AM industry, particularly in the U.S., where reshoring efforts have seen numerous companies focus their manufacturing operations.
AM plays a central role in enabling near- and reshoring strategies.
3D Printing Industry3dprintingindustry.com
Merry Christmas from 3DPI
As 2024 draws to a close, 3DPI would like to wish all readers a well-deserved break. For some, seasoned professionals and start-ups alike, this year has been a tumultuous one. We hope the festive season gives you some time away from work and an opportunity to relax, refresh, and reflect.
At 3DPI, we feel privileged to work in this industry and have the opportunity to speak with so many of the brilliant, creative, and determined individuals who make AM such a vibrant and forward-facing sector. We are grateful to everyone who has supported us to enable our reporting and sharing of knowledge.
We look forward to reconnecting at the first major event of the year, the AMUG Conference.
3D-printed Christmas tree to brighten spirits.
