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AMUG January 2025

By January 16, 2025
 

January 2025

President’s Report

Happy New Year! Do you start your year fresh with tasks to complete, goals to reach, and places to go? I’m guilty of being a list-maker. It is both a wonderful attribute and a terrible one…probably much like my other character traits/habits, honestly. Why do I make lists for myself? Because I like crossing things off! It’s a feeling of accomplishment. But, as we move closer to the AMUG Conference, my list gets longer, and scratch-offs take longer!

Some logistical items for the AMUG Conference to be thinking about (or listing) include:

  1. Registering to attend AMUG 2025
  2. Registering to sponsor AMUG 2025 (if applicable)
  3. Booking your hotel from the website (our rate is $159/night)
  4. Booking your travels

Some other things you can do pre-conference might include:

  1. Completing an interest form for a board position if you are inclined
  2. Submitting a Technical Competition entry
  3. Submitting a DINO nomination
  4. Submitting an AMUGderby entry
  5. Applying for the scholarships (or share the link with your local universities) as a student or educator
  6. Taking a look at the preliminary agenda to note sessions that may be interesting to you
  7. Reach out to fellow users to share your enthusiasm for the upcoming conference

Speaking of reaching out to others, this is one of my 2025 goals! I want to be a more intentional communicator. I can be so much better at making time to check on others, share a conversation or time because we CAN, and ask questions with the full intent to learn from others. Sometimes, my list-making causes me to move fast with the ambition of completing a task. I’m learning, I’m growing, I’m succeeding, I’m failing. The key – I’m keeping on!

AMUG will be great for this goal because we have five days of togetherness. Five days to spend time catching up, coaching, learning, meeting, and sharing…all of it serves as an excellent catalyst for my goal of being more intentional with others.

If you have questions about AMUG, or you’d like to share a chat about AMUG, I am here to do exactly that! I want to hear from you!

I’m so looking forward to sharing time with you in March!

With gratitude,

Shannon VanDeren
President
President@amug.com

Shannon VanDeren
President

Still Time to Save $200 on Registration – But not for Long

Whether it’s been a year or 10 years, there’s always something new to learn (and someone new to meet) at AMUG Conferences! Make sure you don’t miss your chance to mingle with top-tier experts in AM to discover how you can solve your latest challenge or ways to improve on the great things you have going.

Register by Friday, February 14, to lock in the $1,495 rate before the final price increase.

The learning starts once you’re registered, so get started now: Register today.

Save $200 by registering before February 15.

Two Exciting Keynote Speakers for AMUG 2025

AM plays a significant role for AMUG 2025’s keynote speakers. Join us to learn about that role in high-performance (earthbound) and space vehicles.

Joe Scarbo, president of Scarbo Performance Corp, will offer highlights of how, when, and why his company used AM in its most recent vehicles, the SV Rover and SV RSR. Ryan Watkins, research engineer for NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), will ‘connect the dots’ between innovative concepts and R&D with a keynote theme of ‘linking design with AM.’

Ryan’s and Joe’s work traverses from the Baja Desert to Aspen Mountain to Pikes Peak and out into the solar system. They will inspire through intriguing vehicle designs and exhilarating space exploration experiences. Their recounts of past and present projects will convey the messages of pragmatic decision-making coupled with innovation to push the boundaries of what is possible with AM.

Ryan will take the stage on Tuesday, April 1, and Joe will step up on Thursday, April 3. You don’t want to miss these keynotes!

AMUG 2025 keynote speakers: Joe Scarbo (top) and Ryan Watkins.

Deadline Approaching – Don’t Miss the Chance to Join the AMUG Board

Attention AMUG members: We are looking for candidates for the open AMUG Board of Directors positions. Serving on the board is not just an honor — it’s a chance to drive the strategic direction of our organization, expand your network with industry leaders, and play an integral role in advancing the AM community.

Nominate yourself today and join a dedicated team committed to helping shape the future of AM!

Learn more about the open positions and the AMUG elections here.

The deadline to apply is January 24, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact the Nominating Committee at NomCom@amug.com.

Self-nominate to fill one of four AMUG Board positions.

Preliminary Agenda: Check Out the AMUG 2025 Program

AMUG 2025 has a strong lineup of presentations, panels, and workshops. Take a look at the newly released preliminary agenda to see for yourself.

On the main stage, we have keynotes from Joe Scarbo (Scarbo Performance Corp) and Ryan Watkins (NASA JPL), the ever-popular Innovators Showcase, recognitions (awards) for excellence, and more.

For breakout sessions, we have an extensive slate of topics in 10 tracks with panel discussions and presentations. And one of those tracks is our new workshops program. For 2025, we will have hands-on and interactive workshops throughout the week – every day and every hour of breakout sessions to the very end of the conference (Thursday, April 3, at 5:30 PM).

Undecided about attending AMUG 2025? Scan the preliminary agenda to discover your can’t-miss sessions. Already registered? Take a look at the agenda to see what AMUG has in store for you.

Download the preliminary agenda to review the extensive lineup of presentations, panels, and workshops.

2025 AMUGderby

The inaugural AMUGderby at the 2024 AMUG Conference was a huge success. So, we are hosting this race event once again at AMUG 2025.

Modeled after the long-running Pinewood Derby of Scouting America (aka “Boy Scouts”), cars race down a straight track, powered by gravity. In the AMUGderby, the racecars are designed and 3D printed by AMUG members.

For 2025, we have added an open class, which allows some car modifications not permitted in the standard class. Winners, based on times, will be awarded for both classes. Additionally, judges will select a winner for the “best design” award.

The race will take place during AMUG 2025 on April 2 (Wednesday). For race rules and the entry form, visit the AMUGderby page.

Race fans lined the track at the 2024 AMUGderby.

AMUG 2025 – Sign Up for Onsite Volunteering by March 21

Are you still looking to get involved with AMUG while onsite at the 2025 Conference? The AMUG Volunteer Form is active until March 21. There are many ways to get involved at the conference, and we encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to help, network, and learn about what goes into making a successful experience for our members.

The onsite activities that still need volunteers currently include:

  • Bag Stuffing – Loading swag bags on Saturday, March 29, before the conference starts
  • Hosting – Acting as a guide for AMUG members, whether handing out networking lunch tickets, helping with directions to sessions, or helping with bus loading for the offsite special event.
  • Marketing Assistance – Providing additional support to the Marketing Committee before, during, or after the conference with unloading, sorting, setting up, changing out, and cleaning up signage throughout the hotel.
  • AMUGderby Assistance – Helping with derby track set up, providing support during the derby, and derby track breakdown

To be considered for any of these programs, you must complete the Volunteer Form. Help us to fill the roles for each program by volunteering.

For more information about any onsite activities, please contact us at volunteer@amug.com.

AMUG bag-stuffing volunteers celebrating a job well done.

AMUG Ticket Offer – Bulls vs Mavericks

The Chicago Bulls take on the Dallas Mavericks (a basketball game, international friends) on Saturday, March 29. For those who will (or can) arrive a day early for AMUG 2025, the Bulls have reached out with a ticket offer.

While the game ticket offer comes through AMUG, the seats will be dispersed throughout the arena, and attendees will pay for tickets, food, beverage, and transportation. Ticket prices will range from $100 to $370, depending on the seat location.

There is also the possibility of securing a premium suite, if the interest is strong enough.

Game time: 7:00 PM (arena doors open at 5:30)

If you are interested in attending the game, please reach out to Tom Sorovetz (eventmanager@amug.com). With enough interest (15 or more seats), Tom will work with the Chicago Bulls to get the ball rolling on group ticket discounts.

Game time: Bulls vs. Mavericks

SPONSOR NEWS

Würth Additive Groupwurthadditive.com

Help Shape AMUG 2025 Safety Workshops

Do you know what brings a smile to Ed Tackett’s face? Seeing AM users equipped with safety knowledge to protect themselves, their teams, and the future of AM.

For the past two years, Ed’s AMUG safety sessions have been packed, sparking questions that time couldn’t cover. That’s why we’re expanding in 2025 to include more safety-focused workshops and presentations — but we need your help!

  • What safety topics matter most to you?
  • What resources would benefit your team?

Let us know your priorities:

At Würth Additive Group, we prioritize safety with expert training and a full range of PPE from our Würth Safety and MRO colleagues. Together, let’s build a safer AM industry.

Ed Tackett, additive manufacturing lead technologist and AMUG DINO.

SMEsme.org

RAPID + TCT 2025: North America’s Largest AM Event Returns to Detroit

RAPID + TCT, North America’s premier AM and industrial 3D printing event, announced its return to Detroit April 8-10, 2025, at Huntington Place. Coproduced by SME and Rapid News Publications Ltd, this annual event will celebrate a significant milestone of 35 years ― setting new standards while pushing the boundaries of 3D technology.

For the first time ever, RAPID + TCT simultaneously announced its colocation with three major industry events: SME’s AeroDef Manufacturing, showcasing the industry’s most advanced technologies in the aerospace and defense sectors; SAE International’s trademark mobility event ― the World Congress Experience (WCX), which emphasizes innovation in advanced mobility; and America Makes’ Spring Technical Review & Exchange (TRX), the nation’s leading public-private partnership for AM technology and education.

Learn more here and/or register using the AMUGVIP code for a full conference pass at only $780!

Stratasysstratasys.com

Advancing Leadership in Sustainable AM

Stratasys recently published its third Mindful Manufacturing™ ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) and Sustainability Report, which highlights achievements in ESG initiatives, cementing its position as a supplier of choice for sustainable AM-enabled production solutions.

Aligned with its Mindful Manufacturing™ strategy, Stratasys has introduced carbon reduction initiatives across its product portfolio, offerings, and supply chain. These efforts aim to help customers use AM for more carbon-efficient production, enabling them to meet environmental targets while optimizing operations.

Stratasys also proudly announced the appointment of S. Scott Crump – long-standing Director, Stratasys co-founder, member of the Stratasys Board of Directors, and inventor of FDM® technology – as the company’s ESG & Climate Champion. “I am honored to bring over 35 years of innovation to a space where additive manufacturing drives sustainable production,” said Crump.

Click here to learn more and download the full report.

Stratasys publishes third ESG and sustainability report, advances leadership in sustainable AM.

GoEngineergoengineer.com

Join Our Upcoming Webinar

Have you ever explored the use of silicone molding specifically for capturing internal geometries for 3D scanning? Join Jonathan Rodriguez (GoEngineer), Sam Cheney (Oqton), Guy Buttle (Oqton), and Alex Hazard (Smooth-On) for a webinar on Tuesday, January 28, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (CST) as they discuss the workflow of the process, what silicones work best for each application, and highlight real-world applications of this technique. You’ll also hear about the mistakes and pitfalls we made on the way to getting this process right.

By attending, you will learn:

  • Tips and Tricks for creating molds of complex internal geometries
  • How to utilize Geomagic Design X software to reverse engineer a customer-submitted part
  • Discussion with the customer who submitted the project idea and Smooth-On who assisted in selecting materials and recommending different workflows for creating the mold
  • The step-by-step process from scanning to molding and finally reverse engineering, along with conversation around what worked and what didn’t work

Register today.

MEDIA SPONSOR NEWS

The TCT Groupthetctgroup.com

Feature in the First Issue of TCT for 2025

Kickstart your year by aligning your business with TCT Magazine’s original editorial content.

TCT will be kicking off 2025 with a focus on defense. As the sector increases its investment in AM to allay supply challenges and deploy in-field manufacturing, our editors will take a closer look at how AM parts are being certified and deployed across the globe.

In our annual metals feature, we’re highlighting applications where metal AM is enabling optimized components, from heat exchangers to hydraulic valves, and how developments in lasers and materials are creating new production opportunities.

In our creative feature, we’ll be speaking to designers who have adopted AM in their creative processes for applications across fashion, animation, and more.

With calls for OEMs to adopt an open approach to ensure AM capabilities match real use cases, we also look at developments to manage and drive more repeatable processes.

Get in touch to find out how you can get involved.

Metal AM magazinemetal-am.com

Out Now: The Winter 2024 Issue of Metal AM Magazine

This 184-page issue 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 AM of record-breaking pure copper heatsinks for high-performance computing applications
  • The AM of tool steels: How non-linear modelling enables precise hardness control

Get your free PDF download here.

Download the Winter issue of Metal AM magazine.

3D Adept3dadept.com

Forging a Way Ahead

“Difficult times create strong people. Strong people create easy times. Easy times create weak people.” It’s cyclical. These words may not be ours, but as we wrapped up 2024, we believe they offer a profound analogy to our industry.

For a year that many would describe as difficult with regard to the economy, the number of companies entering the market, and those developing new and advanced solutions urge us to think otherwise. The truth is, although they are great, these innovations are sometimes not enough to immunize companies against economic slumps, slowing sales, management missteps, and myriad other issues that caused their demise and the destruction of immense shareholder value.

Whether they are consolidating or growing naturally, those still in the game teach us an important lesson: One must have the discipline to stay the course (and even rebalance).

Beyond a deep analysis of 2024, the November/December issue of 3D ADEPT Mag sheds light on these opportunities.

Discover them and more in this latest edition.

Download the November/December issue for a deep analysis of 2024 and more.

Engineering.comengineering.com

Looking Ahead to AM in 2025

Engineering.com wrapped up last year’s AM coverage by sitting down with some of the leading minds in the industry to gather their unique perspectives on the ups and downs of AM in 2024. At the same time, we also asked them to think ahead to this year and make some predictions about what we should look forward to as well as what to be wary of in 2025.

Here’s what they had to say.

VoxelMattersvoxelmatters.com

Coastruction is on a Mission to Save Coral Reefs with 3D Printing

With the acceleration of global warming and other factors like pollution and industrial fishing practices critically destroying and endangering coral reefs and coastal ecosystems around the globe, it has never been more critical to develop solutions that can help restore these fragile yet incredibly diverse environments.

Fortunately, there are people and organizations who have taken up this challenge and are finding creative ways to not only save coral reefs and other coastal environments but also usher us into a more sustainable, ecologically minded future.

One of these organizations is Coastruction, a Dutch startup that is leveraging its own 3D printing technology to build aquatic structures that are designed for a range of restoration purposes, like promoting coral regeneration and wave dissipation. Founded by Nadia Fani, who leads a dedicated team of eco-enthusiasts trying to build a better future, Coastruction is celebrating its third anniversary this month.

Read the full story online here or download VoxelMatters’ AM Focus Sustainability eBook here.

Coastruction’s 3D-printed aquatic structures.

3Dnatives3dnatives.com

What Were the Most Innovative Startups in 2024

2024 has come to an end, and as we reflect on all that has happened over the course of the year, 3Dnatives also 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 this year.

Check out the list of our twelve candidates who are working in everything from tailor-made 3D printed drugs to easier XXL metal AM. And be sure to vote!

3D Printing Industry3dprintingindustry.com

Happy New Year from Everyone at 3DPI

January is often a slower time in the news cycle as companies pause to strategize and prepare for the new year or, for the most fortunate, enjoy an extended winter break.

So, before communications teams emerge from their well-deserved short hibernation, why not revisit the news and breakthroughs that made the headlines in 2024? Find the digest of top stories and themes in this series of articles.

Our comprehensive 2025 Executive Survey will be published later this month. If you’d like a reminder of how AM leaders expected the past year to play out, visit this link for a refresher.

The many faces of those offering insights in the 2025 Executive Survey.

Digital Engineeringdigitalengineering247.com

Annual Technology Outlook and More

The December digital edition of Digital Engineering includes our annual Technology Outlook readership survey. Our readers share their current utilization and plans for AM technology, as well as simulation, design, artificial intelligence, generative design, digital twins, and other tools.

The issue also includes a feature story on the outlook for the AM market in 2025. You can download the issue here.

Read the December edition for outlooks on AM technology and the market.