December 2025
President’s Report
Happy December, AMUG friends! I know many of us are in the throes 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!
I love Christmas music. I turn that on at Thanksgiving, and for me, it doesn’t get old. I love the old music (Bing Crosby, Elvis, Brenda Lee) as well as some contemporary versions. As I listened, the song “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” inspired this holiday newsletter. Why? We are literally making lists and checking off tasks as we reach the end of the year.
Shannon VanDeren
President
For those who enjoy a list, I’m going to give you a simple one for both members and sponsors (some may apply, while others don’t).
- Register to attend AMUG (link)
- Register to sponsor AMUG (link)
- Register for your hotel rooms (link)
- Register for our pre-conference training courses (link)
- Submit your entry for the Technical Competition (link)
- Submit your DINO nomination for someone you feel meets the criteria (link)
- Tell others about our scholarship program—one educator and one student will be awarded full sponsorship to attend AMUG (link)
- Register for the AMUGderby—design, print, and race your car (link)
- Nominate yourself, or another, for an upcoming AMUG Board position—3 elected and 2 appointed (link)
- Sign up to volunteer at AMUG (link)
Psychology Today wrote an interesting article in 2021 titled “10 Benefits of Making Lists.” Every one of those 10 items resonates with me. I’ve said it before: I’m a list maker. I like the gratification of crossing things off. It’s almost like it’s tracking my accomplishments. My very own “atta girl”, I suppose!
As you navigate your own lists, and perhaps even this list, remember to make time for yourself. A healthy and happy YOU is an accomplishment in itself. And I can’t wait to see you in Reno in just a few short months.
If I may be helpful to you in gathering information regarding AMUG, I welcome hearing from you…send me a note to 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
Ronen Hadar: AMUG 2026 Keynote Presenter
AMUG’s Thursday keynote speaker has shaped The LEGO Group’s adoption of 3D printing over the past 15 years. Progressing from prototyping to scaled production, Ronen Hadar has guided the efforts with a mix of technical expertise and creative vision.
On March 19, 2026, Ronen will enlighten AMUG Members about the pioneering integration of AM into the toy industry, known for high-volume, low-cost production.
Through a multi-year effort focused on quality and consumer value, The LEGO Group has co-developed AM technologies tailored to its needs and piloted products to gather valuable feedback. The outcomes of this work include the release of its first mass-produced retail set that contains a 3D-printed piece. This follows 3D-printed items in earlier limited-edition sets.
Ronen will describe the efforts to deliver affordable, high-fidelity products at scale as well as the challenges the company faced as it pursued the benefits of advanced manufacturing while maintaining this iconic, beloved brand’s standards of excellence.
Join us in Reno, Nevada, to hear this fantastic and informative presentation.
Ronen Hadar of The LEGO Group to keynote at the AMUG Conference.
Service has its Rewards—Run for an AMUG Board Position
The nomination period for the AMUG Board elections is open until January 24 (January 9 for appointed positions). While these leadership positions are about serving the AM community, they also offer real benefits.
Dana McCallum reflected on her personal gains from serving on the board as Vice President from 2015 to 2017.
Serving on the AMUG Board was a pivotal early-career experience for me. My time as Vice President provided direct exposure to industry leaders, built my confidence, and deepened my understanding of the rapidly evolving world of AM. It also allowed me to contribute to AMUG’s mission and gain valuable leadership experience at a formative time in my career.
Just as importantly, my board service was a major catalyst for professional growth through networking. The relationships I built with AMUG Members and companies opened doors and accelerated my career path. Being part of a community centered on knowledge sharing and mentorship helped me learn from others while becoming a connector myself. I am forever grateful to Terry Hoppe for nominating me to be on the board.
Given how the board has continued to evolve over the years, I am eager for AMUG 2026 and encourage others to consider an AMUG Board position to help grow and guide AMUG.
To see what positions are available, get details of the process, and send us a Submission of Interest, visit amug.com/elections.
Dana McCallum, former Vice President (2015-2017) and current Nominating Committee member, is Carbon’s Head of Global Enterprise Sales.
Pre-Conference Trainings Available
Start your AMUG Conference off right with pre-conference trainings! We have three exciting and informative options to choose from, including a recently announced Practical AI course. Spaces are limited, so click here to find more details and secure your spot today (each requires its own registration).
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.
Technical Competition: NOW OPEN for Entries
The 2026 AMUG Technical Competition is now open for submission entries. Please consider competing in the Advanced Concepts category or the NEW & IMPROVED Finishing & Post Processing category.
Winners for each category, plus Members’ Choice, will receive complementary admission to AMUG 2027! For details, please visit the Technical Competition page.
Enter now to compete in the 2026 Technical Competition.
SPONSOR NEWS
GoEngineergoengineer.com
Metal AM’s Competitive Edge Redefining Supercars
Ready to see how metal 3D printing is rewriting the rules of automotive performance? BYD’s Yangwang U9X didn’t just break speed records; it redefined what a supercar can be.
Using Bright Laser Technologies’ advanced metal technology, they were able to create a revolutionary “HyperCell” integrated body structure. This aerospace-inspired design delivers 200% more torsional rigidity, 30% less weight, and precision tolerances that rival traditional machining while doing it at production scale. From ultra-light brake calipers to a honeycomb chassis that maximizes strength, this isn’t the future of manufacturing; it’s today’s reality.
Discover how BLT’s large-format metal printers and GoEngineer’s expertise are giving innovators a competitive edge in automotive, aerospace, and beyond. Get the full story here.
Aerospace design reimagined for the road.
Stratasysstratasys.com
Airbus Produces more than 25,000 Flight-Ready 3D-Printed Parts Annually
Evolving from its first part, a spare crew seat component, Airbus has embraced AM, taking it to new heights with more than 200,000 certified Stratasys polymer parts now in active service.
Recent data shows that the implementation of Stratasys’ 3D-printed parts utilized in the Airbus A350 resulted in a 43% weight reduction, the elimination of the minimum order quantity (MOQ) requirement, and an 85% reduction in lead time, saving significant cost and multiple weeks of production time.
Airbus has parts printed for the A320, A350, and A400M models using the Stratasys ULTEM™ 9085* filament Certified Grade (CG) material on multiple Stratasys industrial-grade FDM® printers. These parts meet rigorous aerospace requirements while enabling faster, more cost-effective replacement of various components throughout an aircraft.
Certified parts printed from Stratasys’ ULTEM™ 9085 filament CG can reduce aircraft downtime and cut supply chain risks.
*9085 and ULTEM™ trademarks are used under license
from SABIC, its affiliate, or subsidiary.
AMT PostProamtechnologies.com
Unlocking Higher Throughput and Enhanced Part Quality with AMT’s New Post-Processing Systems
Following a successful debut at Formnext, AMT’s latest additions to the PostPro portfolio are now available, bringing greater speed and efficiency to powder bed fusion post-processing.
Designed to streamline production, the PostPro UP delivers high-speed, operator-safe unpacking with optimized powder extraction and automation-ready integration. With configurations for HP Natural Cooling Units, EOS P3 Build Units, and Stratasys SAF units, it improves and automates the first and most labor-intensive step of production.
For manufacturers seeking higher throughput vapor smoothing without increasing their footprint, the PostPro SF2X provides more than double the chamber capacity of the SFX system while maintaining its compact size. This makes it the ideal system for first-time vapor smoothing adopters with higher volume production needs.
In addition, AMT has officially launched its Dye BLK capsules, delivering a deep, uniform black finish at up to half the running cost of comparable solutions. Orders placed before December 31 get an additional 20% discount. Sign up for 20% discount.
Dye BLK capsules: achieve deep, uniform black color finish at up to half the cost. Now with an additional 20% discount until December 31, 2025.
MEDIA SPONSOR NEWS
3DPrint.com3dprint.com
Formnext 2025 Day One: Magic Carpet Ride
Joris Peel, Executive Editor for 3DPrint.com, recounts the start of his Formnext journey.
In the spirit of a looming Even Greater Recession (now with superintelligence!), I decided to swaddle myself with some austerity. I figured that, in the future, we would need to focus even more on getting our printers to new austere locations and that some belt-tightening would be required.
I decided to prepare myself to temper my soul stoically. So, I took a Wizz. This is an airline, barely. Two hours of turbulence later, I felt I’d been a Leap71 part spun around a Solukon machine until all the powder got out.
I arrived not at the familiar bustle of Frankfurt Airport, but rather Frankfurt–Hahn Airport. Much to my amazement, we need to worry more about the hope-devouring vortex of suck that is Frankfurt. I thought before that this problem, Frankfurt, would be a fairly localized phenomenon in a city of some regular size. Much to my surprise, however, Frankfurt is at least 123 kilometers in diameter. At least that is the distance from the city center to Frankfurt–Hahn airport. This would mean that Frankfurt is an immense city, perhaps four times the size of Tokyo. Why are they hiding this from the world? Why is this being swept under the carpet? It must be stopped. Why is there no Godzilla for this godforsaken place?
Read the full story—loaded with tribulations, surprises, favorites, and key takeaways—here.
Formnext 2025 through the lens of Joris Peels.
Digital Engineeringdigitalengineering247.com
Technology Outlook Issue
The December issue of Digital Engineering magazine features our annual Technology Outlook reader survey, commentary on the future of AM from AMUG, and columns from ASSESS, ASME, and the Society of Women Engineers.
Download your copy here.
The latest issue of DE features its Technology Outlook.
3D ADEPT3dadept.com
Between Vision and Reality
The November/December edition of 3D ADEPT Mag is always a time to reflect on the past 12 months, summarizing key events, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned on the road. It’s a moment to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and help the industry plan for the year ahead.
This year feels especially significant. With Formnext celebrating its 10th anniversary, our reflection began not just with the past year, but with the past decade.
Today, we see an industry at a crossroads where businesses must continually verify whether their vision aligns with market realities. While every stakeholder plays a role in making AM work, it is the community that deserves congratulations for turning its potential into reality across vertical industries.
This end-of-year edition sheds light on what this reality means for AM companies and users, how it differs across regions, and the work still ahead, whether in specific applications (as explored in the “Experts’ Advice”) or across key areas of the value chain, such as data management.
This edition reminds us that the story of AM is far from over. We’ll be here to ensure that each milestone remains as exciting and meaningful as the last, through 3D ADEPT Media.
Access the digital mag here.
Season’s greetings.
Assessment and reflection in the latest issue of 3D ADEPT Mag.
The TCT Groupthetctgroup.com
Stay Informed in 2026 with TCT
This year, we re-engineered TCT as a connected platform across print, web, and newsletters to deliver trusted AM intelligence.
What we’re doing differently:
- Premium magazine, free of digital noise—curated, printed, and delivered directly
- All original AM editorial content fortified by our Editorial Advisory Board
- A global community—be part of the conversation
- Monthly deep dive reports and industry vertical newsletters
- Exclusive, members-only podcasts
- VIP access to insights and live events
To help you kickstart 2026, we’re offering a 50% discount on a 12-month TCT Executive Membership subscription for a limited time. Simply subscribe here, and your discount will be automatically applied.
Get the magazine that started it all, reimagined for the future of AM, and join a global community for trusted AM intelligence.
The first edition of the newly re-engineered TCT Magazine.
3Dnatives3dnatives.com
3D Printing Thermoset Materials Without Supports: A Faster New Approach
What if resin 3D printing could eliminate support structures entirely, making fabrication easier? That is the question researchers at Xiamen University and the University of California, Berkeley are exploring.
Together, they developed a method for creating parts from a thermoset material without relying on support structures. Their approach combines Direct Ink Writing with a laser curing system. They printed several test pieces to demonstrate the technique, and the parts stood on their own. The next question is whether they will remain just as durable over time.
To conduct this process, the researchers rely on a laser that can be directed to solidify the material the moment it exits the syringe, printing directly “in midair.” Learn more about this research in the full article here.
This technique employs a laser to directly solidify the material. (Image Credit: Nature Electronics / Xiamen University)
VoxelMattersvoxelmatters.com
Formnext 2025 Marks a Decade of Growth as AM Takes Root in Industry
Formnext 2025 closed in Frankfurt with record attendance, confirming AM’s position as a fully established industrial technology. Held from November 18 to 21, the event welcomed more than 38,000 professional visitors and 804 exhibitors from around the world.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year’s edition highlighted how AM has moved far beyond prototyping, with new production systems, advanced materials, and digital tools that use AI to increase speed, quality, and overall process efficiency.
Key themes included supply chain flexibility, greater accessibility for SMEs, and strong collaboration across companies, research institutions, and technology providers. The expanded supporting program featured live demonstrations, guided tours, and new award categories, all contributing to a highly engaged and energetic atmosphere throughout the four days.
Want to dive deeper? Read our full three-part review:
38,000 people visited Formnext over its 4-day run.
Metal AM magazinemetal-am.com
Out Now: The Winter 2025 Issue of Metal AM Magazine
This free-to-access 176-page issue features all the industry news highlights from the last quarter, plus the following exclusive deep-dive articles:
- NASA’s GRX-810: The story of an oxide-dispersion-strengthened superalloy designed for AM
- EOS M4 ONYX: Exploring a customer-led path to scaling series metal Additive Manufacturing
- Metal AM at the Vicenza Symposium: From Bulgari’s Cabochon ring to materials and process innovation
- Dry-ice blasting for metal AM: toolcraft’s SupportBlaster approach to support removal for PBF-LB
- PanOptimization’s PanX: Scalable simulation and optimisation for large-format metal AM
- SMEs in focus: Denmark’s AM Summit 2025 targets industrial adoption and defence opportunities
Get your free PDF download here.
The winter issue is now available for download.
