AMUG January 2024

Don’t forget to register

2024 is officially here, and with it, the AMUG Conference is squarely in sight.

You don’t want to miss out on the AM event of the year, so register soon because the conference starts on Sunday, March 10, at 3 pm. Early-bird pricing has officially ended, but you can still save by registering at the $1495 rate by February 9. The price will increase to $1695 on February 10th.

See you in Chicago!

AMUG 2024 Scholarships: Deadline is January 19—apply now!

Students or educators in the AM/3D printing space are encouraged to apply. The AMUG Scholarship applications are available here.

Those selected for the scholarships received expenses-covered access to the AMUG Conference. The opportunity to attend the AMUG Conference, where the scholarship recipients are immersed in the AM community, is invaluable.

Board elections: Nomination period ends soon

If you want to take on a role on AMUG’s Board, time is running out.

The nomination period ends on January 26. The first step in the process to be added to the candidate slate for the board elections is the completion of a Submission of Interest by that date.

With a Submission of Interest in hand, our Nominating Committee will be vetting the fit for the desired role. Those who are approved will need to finalize a self-nomination form that verifies the candidates that the committee submits to the AMUG Board for final review.

Elections: Members play a vital role

As we get closer to the opening day of the AMUG Conference, we will be posting information about the candidates on the website and in the mobile app. We ask that everyone reviews the candidates before the election so that informed decisions are made.

Voting will open on Sunday, March 10, and close on Tuesday, March 12. The newly elected board members will be announced during the business meeting on Wednesday, March 13.

DINO Award nominations – peer and self

Nominations for the 2024 DINO (Distinguished INnovator Operator) Awards are in full swing as we near the AMUG 2024 Conference. From the nominee pool, AMUG will select up to 10 individuals to be named DINOs at the 2024 AMUG Conference. Nominations will be accepted through February 4, 2024.

This award is about so much more than tenure in the AM industry. It rewards actions taken through the years that align with AMUG’s credo: information exchange and support that helps others advance in AM. To learn what an AMUG DINO represents, and to see the minimum requirements, please visit the DINO Selection page. There, you will also find the link to the nomination portal.

Please note that AMUG accepts both self-nominations and peer-nominations for the DINO Award.

Pre-conference activities: Tours added

The 2024 AMUG Conference officially starts on Sunday afternoon, but you can get in on even more learning as early as Saturday morning! Two pre-conference training courses are available for registration: Certified AM Fundamentals taught by SME and Qualification and Certification of AM taught by ASTM. Check out all the details and register here. 

Additionally, two new pre-conference tours have been added to the schedule. For details and registration, click here.

EDM Network Showroom

Are you tired of struggling with removing your printed metal parts from the build plate? Or wasting precious material and additional time to allow for the Band Saw blade? Then check out the many models of the Fast Wire EDMs and get all of your questions answered during a tour of Edm Network’s showroom on Sunday, March 10.

EDM Network is focused exclusively on providing EDM technology, including Fast Wire EDMs for 3D metal printing. During this tour, you will see both vertical as well as horizontal Fast Wire EDMs in operation. Lunch will be provided, and you will be back in time for the kickoff of the AMUG Conference. Come and learn about this affordable and important EDM post processing technology from EDM Network

Sciaky Facility

Did you know that Sciaky is located just 30 minutes from the AMUG Conference? Sciaky is pleased to host AMUG Conference attendees at its facility for lunch on the conference’s opening day, Sunday, March 10. If you have not tried the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza, this is your opportunity!

Once you arrive at the facility, you will have lunch during a short overview and Q&A about Sciaky’s Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM®) technology. After lunch, you’ll take a tour of Sciaky’s 130,000-square-foot facility, taking time to see the machine build floor, EBAM development lab, and Electron Beam Welding operations.

The visit will include plenty of time to discuss their technology and where it fits into the world of AM. This is an excellent opportunity to see some of the largest metal AM machines on the planet! 

Revved up & ready for AMUG 2024!

The engines are roaring, and AMUG 2024 is just around the corner! Are you ready to buckle up and experience the future of AM?

Get ready for a Salon C you won’t recognize. We’ve ripped up the rulebook and expanded Salon C to include not just our 10′ x 10′ booths but also our esteemed Diamond and Platinum sponsors. That’s right, it’s a melting pot of innovation waiting to be explored.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there. The AMUGderby is RACING into Salon C, offering you a chance to put your skills to the test and win bragging rights (and maybe a trophy or two). Ready to join the race? Register now before spaces disappear faster than a 3D-printed racecar.

Sponsors and exhibitors, your spotlight awaits. A few diamond-worthy booths still glisten in that spotlight, waiting to be yours. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your solutions and connect with AMUG’s influential community. Claim your prime space before they vanish like a filament snap!

Need a private pit stop? We’ve got you covered. Secure the perfect meeting room for VIP client chats or high-octane brainstorming sessions. Full-week, single-day, or multi-room packages – you name it, we’ve got it.

See you at AMUG 2024, where the future of AM shifts into high gear!

AMUG 2024 Poster Board applications are being accepted

AMUG educates and advances the uses and applications of AM technologies. In that vein, we want students to be able to experience the conference, community, and companies – as well as present their work.

The Student Day & Poster Board Session at the 2024 AMUG Conference is a full and free day for students to experience all AMUG has to offer. Selected students will attend the day’s keynote speech, ask questions during the industry leaders & early career panel, and present their work during the poster board session.

The AMUG team will review all applications. If selected, a final schedule will be sent out, as well as further details about the conference and poster session.

If you know any students in the AM/3D printing space, please encourage them to apply. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2024. Submissions: 2024 Student Poster Session Application.

Technical Competition – compete in 2024

It’s the beginning of a new year, and for many, it’s a time to think back on your accomplishments and the successes of your team from the past year. Think back to a challenging project that initially seemed impossible but was successful with AM and the talents of your team. Remember the skills that were highlighted to get the finishing techniques just right.  Recall the application that wouldn’t be possible without AM.

Now enter that part or project into the AMUG Technical Competition! Choose to enter either the Advanced Concepts or the Advanced Finishing category. Your entry can include any AM technology (or multiple technologies). All entries will be on display both Monday and Tuesday at the AMUGexpo with the awards announced on Thursday morning of the AMUG Conference.

If you don’t have an entry this year, make sure you stop by Salon B during the AMUGexpo to look, learn, and vote. All attendees can vote for their favorite entry, the one who should receive the Members’ Choice Award.  Connect with your AM community, learn about others’ creative solutions, and celebrate success at the Technical Competition!

To learn more, go to the AMUG Technical Competition webpage. Entries are accepted through February 23, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET, but there is no reason to wait! The deadline is only 5 weeks away so enter now (2024 Technical Competition Entry Form).

Questions?  Contact TechComp@amug.com.

We <want to> hear you

As we approach AMUG 2024, your Membership Committee is reflecting on our theme of ‘Back To The User.’ This is a crucial key to what makes the AMUG conference so successful. The Membership Committee is on a quest to increase the interactivity of feedback from all attendees at the conference this year. We want to hear from you about what you like and how we can continue to promote the user experience and elevate AMUG.

Providing candid feedback to survey questions is crucial. We strive to incorporate this into the experience along with the post-conference survey that can highlight key areas of positive aspects to reinforce and improvements to be made. The objective is to collect more data points and allow this to enhance the user experience for 2024 and beyond.

We look forward to seeing and hearing from you in Chicago! If you have comments beforehand, contact us at Membership@amug.com.

AMUG Conference: Reminders and cautions

Well, we are less than 9 weeks before zero hour, and the excitement continues to build. In preparation for the conference, we have a few friendly reminders and a couple of cautions.

If you have not booked your hotel room, please do so here.

Regarding hotel room registrations, please use only the AMUG-supplied link (above or on the AMUG website). Our attendees have received emails from third parties trying to sell room nights. However, they are NOT affiliated with AMUG, and we have no control over these organizations.

We also have third-party organizations offering ‘AMUG’s attendee list’ for sale. This is a scam. We know this for a fact because AMUG DOES NOT sell or distribute its attendee list.

Remember that the offsite event (now called Special Event & Dinner) will be on Wednesday night this year.

If you have any hotel issues or questions, please contact Tom Sorovetz, Director, Events & Hospitality.

We hope to see you in Chicago.

SPONSOR NEWS

Revitalizing your fixturing process with 3D printing

The production of high-quality fixtures is vital to the success of most manufacturing operations worldwide. From assembling products to inspecting parts, fixtures wear various hats in the process. But, there are a number of issues with traditional methods of producing and implementing fixtures, including long lead times, high costs, and design constraints.

3D printing fixtures can help address these issues. Stratasys 3D printers allow for the in-house production of any fixture, no matter the part complexity, at a lower cost than traditional methods.

Explore the Fixturing Solution Guide to dive into:

• Conventional fabrication drawbacks
• 3D printing’s answer & addressing common concerns
• How other companies are benefitting from 3D printed fixtures in their operations, saving time and costs

Download the solution guide.

Cover story on Digital Inventory

Würth Additive Group was featured as AM Media’s January Cover Story regarding their groundbreaking work on Digital Inventory and the upcoming software pilot program to be launched at AMUG 2024.

The article discusses Würth Additive Group’s innovative approach to digital inventory services within the supply chain utilizing 3D printing. It highlights the company’s vision and implementation of a digital platform enabling efficient supply chain management by leveraging 3D printing without disrupting the supply chain. Würth Additive Group’s emphasis on leveraging digital technologies, such as security, RFID tags, and encrypted cloud-based systems, is explored. The article also delves into the advantages of this digital inventory solution, including enhanced visibility, reduced lead times, supply chain elasticity, and improved overall efficiency within the supply chain workflow.

Overall, Würth Additive Group’s commitment to embracing digital transformation in inventory management is underscored as a forward-thinking strategy in the additive manufacturing industry. Read the entire article, covered by Executive Editor Stephanie Hendrixson here.

To learn more before our Digital Inventory Launch at AMUG 2024, sign up for early access.

DMG MORI’s California facility manufacturers the LaserTec 30 SLM

DMG MORI’s Davis, Calif. facility proudly introduces the Lasertec 30 SLM US, a cutting-edge addition to their innovative portfolio. Developed in response to the growing demand for advanced metal AM solutions, this state-of-the-art machine is set to redefine the industry standards. The Lasertec 30 SLM US leverages selective laser melting (SLM) technology, enabling precise and efficient 3D printing of metal components with intricate geometries.

What sets this machine apart is its localization in Davis, emphasizing DMG MORI’s commitment to bringing advanced manufacturing capabilities to the heart of California. The Lasertec 30 SLM US is designed to meet the evolving needs of industry with its adaptive beam control and 1x 1200W programmable laser, delivering high-quality, complex metal parts with unparalleled accuracy.

As DMG MORI continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation, the Lasertec 30 SLM US stands as a testament to its dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that empower manufacturers to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving world of AM.

Meltio remains focused on growth: Plans more wire-laser metal 3D printing innovation to exceed 300+ systems sold

Meltio is leading the present to manufacture the future, including new expanded facilities in Spain, with its unique metal AM solutions: Meltio Engine Robot Integration; Meltio Engine CNC Integration; Meltio M450 metal 3D printer; Meltio Robot Cell; and its slicer softwares, Meltio Space / Meltio Horizon. The company also launched a series of video testimonials—real stories about Meltio’s end-user experience.

Meltio is preparing innovations in both hardware and software that will be presented throughout 2024 and will respond to the growing demand for DED technology from industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, mining, and others. Meltio’s upcoming innovations will be a sure bet for reliability and the ease of use of the technology to make metal printed parts a reality in an industrial environment 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The mission of the metal AM company is to provide all industries worldwide with the ultimate wire-laser metal AM technology to create and repair reliable and highly dense metal parts made out of stainless steels, tool steels, titanium, nickel, Inconel, and many other materials.

Visit our website and keep an eye on our LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

New year yields new 3D trends & predictions for 2024

Each year, many of the industry’s most notable media outlets and reporters highlight the important trends for the 3D printing industry to take note of. If you want to read up on the latest opinions and predictions ahead of connecting with your peers at AMUG in March, we’ve consolidated some highlights, including a variety of HP perspectives.

State of the Industry: Digital Transformation, AI & Cybersecurity by Rachel Duran

What To Expect from Additive Manufacturing in 2024 by Dennis Scimeca

3D Printing Trends to Watch in 2024 by Sarah Goehrke

From ubiquitous terms like automation and AI to sustainability benefits and supply chain resiliency, dig in and form your own opinions on what’s next. If you’re interested in connecting with any of the HP leaders to discuss more on these topics at AMUG, we will make ourselves available, of course! Come and talk to us in Salon D, Dia- 9.

Your chance to shine!

As we move into the new year, why not organize your desk better? Test your design skills and create your dream desk accessory in GoEngineer’s latest design contest. Whether you want to have a headphone stand, a better way to file papers or something to replace your boring pen holder, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination.

Enter today and join our online community.

MEDIA SPONSOR NEWS

TCT Awards 2024: Submissions close soon

The TCT Awards are back for 2024! This annual black-tie event is the AM and 3D printing industry’s biggest celebration of the most innovative technologies, applications, and collaborations. And there’s still time for you or your organization to get involved.

There are eleven categories to enter, and entries are judged by over twenty independent industry experts using a robust set of judging criteria. Previous winners include Volkswagen, Microsoft, adidas, and Oscar-winning animation studio Mackinnon and Saunders.

It’s free to enter, and submissions are open until January 31. Winners will be announced at the TCT Awards ceremony on June 5 in Birmingham, UK. Find out how to write a winning application and enter your project here.

The GRCop story: The development, production and additive manufacturing of NASA’s rocket engine alloys

The new space race is powered by metal AM. In turn, the additive manufacturing of rocket engines is powered by advanced alloys. Of these, NASA’s GRCop family has found use in numerous critical applications.

In this lead article, Austin Whitt and David Ellis, NASA Glenn Research Center, and Paul Gradl, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, dig deep into the history, production, processing, and maturation of these unique materials. As the authors reveal, there is good reason why additive manufacturing of GRCop begins by understanding the process-microstructure-property-performance relationship.

You can download your full copy of this latest issue here.

For more unparalleled insight into the world of metal AM, join our mailing list.

Best wishes from the 3D ADEPT Media team

These first days of 2024 remain an opportune moment to pause and reflect on what 2023 meant for the industry and how the lessons learned might help us better approach 2024. In the November/December edition of 3D ADEPT Mag for 2023, we can’t help but see how our mindsets are changing.

For a long time, we have been focusing on demonstrating the advantages of AM across industries. Today, demonstrating it is not enough. As corporate leaders spend much of their time seeking the right strategies to grow and adapt to changing conditions, assessing the different ways of thinking about our industry’s problems is crucial.

The truth is, coming to AM is one thing; staying and growing in this market is another—which requires addressing a fundamental question that goes straight to mindsets: “What changes do you need to make in your assumptions to develop a strategy that will meet your goals?”

Read more in the digital version of the latest 3D ADEPT MAG.

Ten years since 3D printing’s all-time stock market peak. What have we learned?

Between the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014, most pure-play 3D printing stocks peaked across various indexes (mostly the NYSE and Nasdaq). Stratasys hit a valuation of nearly $140 (down to about $13 today), while 3D Systems got close to $100 (to about $6 today). Other 3D printing companies followed suit, leveraging the moment to go public and raise the capital needed to develop their business over the next decade.

It did not go as planned. Stratasys and 3D Systems peaked because some of the original patents expired, and 3D printers became available for $1,000 to a much larger demographic of people. The idea that everyone would soon have a 3D printer generated hype, which drove stock prices higher. Eventually, this clashed with the fact that, while everyone could own a 3D printer, very few people would know what to do with it.

History repeated itself more recently—between 2021 and 2022. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, once again, a larger demographic of potential adopters became aware of 3D printing as a means to address challenges in production flexibility and supply chain resiliency. However, the promise of exponential growth clashed with the real limitations of AM—while large-scale production was possible, it was found to be rarely cost-effective.

And yet, many companies involved in 3D printing—sometimes even as major market players— are thriving both in the real economy and the financial world. After a decade of tracking investments in 3D printing and 3D printing-related stocks, we looked at the winners and the ones that taught us a lesson.

Read the full article here on VoxelMatters.com.

Out now: Technology Outlook issue

The annual Digital Engineering Technology Outlook issue features the results of our annual readership study, including the latest trends in how our readers use AM technology. The issue also includes a feature on the latest developments in the additive industry and an overview of the Digital Engineering Design & Simulation Summit keynote panel on AI for additive.

You can download the issue here.

Recap the top 3D printing stories

Last year was a whirlwind of exciting new 3D printing developments and applications. Here’s a line-up of some of our top stories and a few you may have overlooked. They’re worth a read!

Also, in case you missed it, Design World’s final issue of 2023 included a story on how 3D printing improves spine surgery and precision. Here’s a link to the issue. Read for free and subscribe!

Review of the year or review of the 3D printers?

3D Printing Industry HQ is slightly different from most media offices.

For one, a significant number of tools and other testing equipment are utilized by the in-house engineering team. At a glance, you can see 3D printers tallying into double-digits in this section of the office alone. Why not read the team’s thoughts about the Markforged Mark Two or Formlabs Fuse 1? Or see how the Nexa XiP performed against our testing protocols.

Got an idea about what our engineering team should take a look at next? Get in touch!

3D printing resilience: The case of fiber lasers

3DPrint.com examines the critical role of fiber lasers in advancing AM. This comprehensive analysis explores how these technologies are not only revolutionizing 3D printing but also playing a vital part in bolstering supply chain resilience.

Amidst the backdrop of global logistical upheavals and geopolitical tensions, the article sheds light on the strategic importance of fiber lasers in maintaining uninterrupted supply lines and ensuring the stability of key industries.

Read the article here.