AMUG Newsletter July 2011

As June has quickly turned into July, we are one month closer to the first AMUG conference. Before I continue I first need to recognize our newest AMUG sponsors. Please join me in welcoming diamond level sponsor Z Corporation and gold level sponsor Renishaw. As of today our 2012 sponsors also included diamond levels Stratasys and Objet. As you can see your AMUG board has had little time for R&R. Going forward we plan to highlight our major sponsors each month in this newsletter leading up to the 2012 AMUG conference.

The AMUG board has just returned from a 36-hour, three-day business meeting. Thirty-six hours is no exaggeration, I can assure you of that. I’d personally like to thank our board members for giving up their personal vacation and family time to help move the AMUG forward. You will begin seeing changes in everything we do from forms that are used to new policies that are put in place. The essence of our group will not change as we move forward and take on a new identity.

The 2012 AMUG will truly be an historic event and if you are reading this July newsletter, you’ll want to register early to be a part of it. Please continue to support all of our sponsors and exhibitors for without them we cannot continue to provide our users with the highest quality users meeting that we strive for. In closing please do not hesitate to contact either myself or any member of the AMUG board with ideas, concerns, or just to say hi.

Enjoy your summer, Gary

Objet Geometries

Objet, the innovation leader in 3D printing for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, revealed the Objet260 Connex last week, a compact and attractively priced addition to Objet’s family of multi-material 3D printers. The Objet260 Connex is based on the company’s patented inkjet 3D printing technology — the world’s only rapid prototyping system able to jet two materials at the same time. This technology allows users to select from a large range of composite materials when building 3D models, such as Objet’s recently released ABS-like material. The system is a compact, attractively priced edition of Ojbet’s pioneering line of multi-material 3D printers.

Image (above): See how the Objet260 Connex simultaneously builds 14 different materials into a single model part.

For more information, visit Objet Geometries: www.objet.com.

Behind The Scenes…VP Report

It may seem like a long way off to our annual conference, but your executive board is already working hard to insure a successful event. This year is crucial with the inclusion of all additive manufacturing technologies. We now have participation commitments from Objet, Stratasys and Z Corporation.

Recently, your board assembled together for three days of meetings (over 12 hours each day) to clearlydefine responsibilities and coordinate efforts for the 2012 AMUG conference.

With the increased technologies many new action items were discussed and assigned, everything from

making sure new attendees are welcomed and feel included to creating new benefits for our sponsors and exhibitors.

Again, everyone is working hard to coordinate this exciting event for 2012 and we appreciate your support.

Regards, Mark & Scott

Thogus Products is a 61-year-old manufacturing company foundationally rooted in injection molding. In 1997, 56% of sales came from automotive clients. A decade later, feeling the pressure of a poor economy and recognizing the threat of limited diversification, Thogus sought new sources of revenue. The company decided to invest in technology that could diversify and differentiate its capabilities. Bringing in Stratasys’ FDM Technology proved revolutionary for Thogus. Matt Hlavin, president of Thogus, quickly realized a return on his investment, calling Fused Deposition Modeling “as critical to business as e-mail.”

Video (above): See how Thogus streamlines manufacturing with Stratasys FDM Production systems.

The Sorovetz Report

Well it is official! The historic 2012 AMUG conference will be held April 22-26, 2012 at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, California. The room rate is $115 per night plus tax, and the valid from April 19-29, 2012. We have 400 rooms per night, which may seem like a lot of rooms, however, with the addition of ALL of the additive manufacturing technologies, the location being So Cal, and that this will be a historic event, these rooms will go fast, so I suggest reserving your room early and register online.

• If you call the Hotel directly at (714) 540-7000
  Reference Group Discount Code is AMUG

Over the years I have been trying to set up things for the spouses to do during the day while we are in our meetings, but I’ve found that not many spouses attend. Please let me know if your spouse and/ or family are attending so I can start organizing various entertainment venues for them.

The South Coast Plaza is less than a mile away and the Hilton will offer free shuttle service to and from the mall (please do not forget to tip the driver). Inside the mall is a VIP room called ACCESS and I have secured VIP Passes for those spouses who plan to go shopping. The ACCESS VIP Hospitality Suite is for special guests and the lounge provides an oasis of peace, comfort and privacy to those invited to enjoy the amenities. The suite is open Monday through Saturday from 11am-7pm and on Sunday from 11:30am-6pm.

A dedicated concierge is on staff at all times to ensure the best possible guest experience and can provide a variety of services, including:

• Personal shoppers
• Package check
• Theater tickets
• Hotel tickets
• Restaurant reservations
• Spa appointments
• Town car or limo services, etc.
• Wheelchair or stroller check-out

Complimentary beverages include champagne, red and white wine, beer, coffee drinks, soda, juices, and bottled water. Light snacks are also available.

The ACCESS Suite is elegantly furnished and features a main lounge, as well as a small conference room, sports room, serenity room, and private restroom. WiFi, newspapers, and magazines are available in addition to several flat-screen TV’s for guest relaxation and entertainment.

Have a great month, Tom

EOS Strengthens Service in US

Advanced Laser Materials (ALM) announced today that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Integra Services. ALM, a developer and manufacturer of materials for rapid manufacturing, has been affiliated with EOS, the world leading manufacturer of laser-sintering systems, since 2009. Under the agreement, ALM will act as a majority shareholder obtaining 51 percent of the Integra shares. This collaboration should offer immediate benefit to the laser sintering community in the United States by offering a combination of excellent equipment service and materials application, support and development to users of all laser sintering platforms.

For more information, visit Integra Support or EOS websites.

EOS first unveiled the EOSINT M 280 at this year’s RAPID Conference and Exposition. It’s innovative process and control features offer advantages to manufacturers looking for expanded capabilities of Direct Metal Laser Sintering equipment.

Image (above): M 280 laser-sintering system for the production of tooling inserts, prototype parts and end products directly in metal.

For more information, visit EOS: www.eos.info

Photo (above): The Great Fishing Adventure is a “must do” pre-conference highlight. This year, Users Group anglers tested the waters of Florida with “Got Stryper” soft plastic baits, donated by Captain Alan A. Hastbacka of Got Stryper Charters. Thanks Al!

Social media is a powerful vehicle for generating new connections and engaging with the influencers in the additive manufacturing industry. In the coming newsletters, I’ll be offering tips and tricks on how to maximize your online exposure and credibility. In the meantime, be sure to follow these networks: