President’s Report
Bret Bordner
President
Well, summer is in full swing, and I hope everyone has been able to take a break to spend time with family and friends. AMUG board members are returning from their vacations (Yes, I allow them to take a break once in a while) so we are beginning to gear up to hit it hard to give you a fantastic 2014 Conference. The 2013 Conference will be tough to beat, but we know that we can do it.
One of the first outcomes of our work that you will see is a revamped registration process. We hope to have this completed and launched by the end of August, so keep an eye open for the announcement.
For the 2014 agenda, we have a definite commitment for a tour of Solid Concepts’ Tucson facility. This will be our Thursday night event. Joe Allison was gracious enough to offer this to anyone staying through Thursday. Afterwards, we will have our evening barbecue. This will be a great afternoon/evening…
… and it will be another great Conference. So mark your calendars for April 6 – 10, 2014.
All the best,
Bret Bordner
AMUG President
president@am-ug.com
Our Mission: Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) educates and advances the uses and applications of additive manufacturing technologies.
Vice President’s Report
Mark Barfoot
Vice President
We’re excited as we get started signing up exhibitors and sponsors for next year’s conference. I am pleased to report that the companies we have spoken to are equally excited and very interested.
We are working hard to bring you new exhibitors and to enhance the Exhibitor Expo and sponsors’ involvement for the 2014 Conference. At the Exhibitor Expo, we want to have the full breadth of applications and technologies represented. Our plans also include tying key exhibitors into some of our workshops and sessions.
If there is anything specific that you felt was missing at the Exhibitor Expo that you’d like to see next year, please don’t hesitate to let Derek Ellis or me know (vicepresident@am-ug.com).
Mark Barfoot
Vice President
vicepresident@am-ug.com
Sponsor News – Stratasys
3D Printing Helps Physicists Find the Strongest Particles
At the University of Chicago, Professor Heinrich Jaeger is concerned with a physical process called “jamming.” It’s when granular material that would normally flow freely gets compressed into a reversible rigid state — like a vacuum-packed brick of coffee grounds. Applications include a sensitive, strong robot hand that can pick up delicate, complex and heavy objects.
To study which grain shapes are best for jamming into soft or rigid forms, Jaeger used to rely on armies of undergrads to build model grains by hand in sufficient quantity and variety for experimentation. Study was limited to scientists’ imagination in configuring grains and students’ handiwork in building them. More recently, the lab created an algorithm that predicts the best shapes for testing, and it then invested in an Objet350 Connex 3D printer to manufacture them vastly more quickly and precisely.
Check out UC’s video to see how results surprised the researchers.
An Insider’s View of 3D Printing (webinar)
ENGINEERING.com
3D printing has burst onto the scene; everyday there is yet another story of revolutions, amazing applications and new systems. But does reality mirror the sometimes grandiose predictions?
Join Todd Grimm, AMUG’s AM industry advisor and ENGINEERING.coms editor, for an insider’s view of 3D printing technologies, applications and advantages to make your own assessment of the current and future potential of this design, engineering and manufacturing tool.
Watch the webinar at ENGINEERING.com.
Sponsor News – Stratasys
FDM Pool-Cleaner Prototypes Survive Months of Underwater Testing
Read this case study to see how the Henk and I design firm in Johannesburg, South Africa, developed and tested an energy-efficient pool cleaner.
Pittsburgh – Strategy, Planning & Promotion
As reported last month, the AMUG Board assembled for a grueling two-day strategy and planning session. It then rolled into the RAPID show and conference to promote AMUG attendance, sponsorships and the Exhibitor Expo.
Gary, past president, endures the strategy meeting
In spite of those long hours, the board members managed to keep smiles on their faces, most likely because of their passion for AMUG and the industry.
AMUG board at the meeting’s conclusion
AMUG booth at RAPID
The Sorovetz Report
Tom Sorovetz
Event Manager
As I stated in the June “Sorovetz Report,” the Hilton El Conquistador in Tucson, Arizona, will be the location for the 2014 AMUG Conference and Exhibition. The nightly rate will be $137.00 plus tax, and there is an OPTIONAL resort fee of $10.00 per day. The resort fee includes the following:
- Any local and 1-800 access guest room calls
- Two complimentary bottles of water upon arrival
- 15% off massage treatments at Elements Spa
- Daily use of fitness facilities and fitness classes
- 1 hour use of putting green per day
- 1 hour use of driving range per room per day
- 1 hour of tennis court usage per room per day
- 2 hours of mountain bike usage (1 bike) per room per day
- Expanded shuttle service to Oro Valley Marketplace shopping and dining district as well as the Country Club facilities
The resort fee will be offered at check – in, but you have the OPTION TO DECLINE IT, per our hotel contract.
Have a good summer,
Thomas A. Sorovetz
Event Manager
