July 2025
President’s Report
Happy July to you…I hope this finds you in the midst of enjoying the summer months and squeezing in time for relaxation and refreshment of mind, body, and soul.
I’m having a little self-chuckle. Last month’s newsletter focused on “growth.” The board has been working on growth (growing impact, growing relevance, growing relationships). Sometimes growth is a result of change you are anticipating and preparing for, and sometimes growth is a result of change you weren’t planning for.
Shannon VanDeren
President
For example, my planned changes can include simple things like changing our meal planning (trying something new even), changing the sheets (mmm, fresh laundered sheets at night… I always buy white sheets so I can smell the bleach on that first climb-in), changing over the garden (pulling out the tired vegetables to plant the next season’s bounty), changing our tires/oil, and changing clothes. We expect to do these things and often celebrate the “newness” we feel as a result. As for the changes we weren’t planning for, they may initially feel less celebratory. I’m sure we can all rattle off some unexpected changes in our lives that were uncomfortable at first, but later we can identify where they may have made us grow by yielding new opportunities, expanding our adaptability, bringing new people into our lives, or learning something new.
All of this brings me to changes at AMUG. Obviously, we have changes each year. New content, new sponsors, new members, new presentations, and new board members with the cycle of elections. We’ve also bumped into life transitions where board members have to make a deliberate choice as to whether their volunteer service at AMUG is fitting well into their work-life balance. We’ve had that just this month with the resignation of our vice president, Tim Bell. While we didn’t see this change in front of us, we must applaud when one of our family/friends understands the prioritization of work and family. Having a volunteer-led organization is so wonderful in so many ways. We are so proud to be an organization FOR users, BY users. We work hard to keep the integrity of this exact mission.
Do you know we have FIVE open board positions coming up in March? With a board of nine, we have staggered openings: four positions one year, and five the next. This can sometimes mean big change; though sometimes a member runs to keep their role for another term, or one might move into a different board position. Please be thinking about this as we come into the planning for AMUG 2026. We are looking for qualified, interested, enthusiastic, AMUG-loving individuals to join the leadership of AMUG. In 2026, the elections will be for the following board positions: president, vice president, and director of membership. The other two changing positions are for treasurer and director at large, which are currently appointed positions. You may find those job descriptions right on the website. You may also reach out to the existing director and ask questions. We welcome that—we want interested friends from our AMUG family to migrate into leadership positions. Bring your skills, your new ideas, your dedication, and your genuine joy for our conference!
Our board members are off to our 2026 conference venue this week for our annual strategy meeting (we always meet at the upcoming venue). For most of us, it will be our first time exploring Grand Sierra Resort, and we are so eager to lay eyes on the space and start building the vision for 2026 and how we can bring you the most relevance, opportunity, and relationship-building possible. You’ll be hearing so much more from us after we sit around a table for 4 days together, talking solely about AMUG and YOU!
I wish you a month of joy, blessings, and opportunity. “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” -Wayne Dyer
Warmly,
Shannon VanDeren
President
President@amug.com
Nate Schumacher Appointed to Fill VP Position
The AMUG Board is working diligently in preparation for the 2026 AMUG Conference in Reno, Nevada, and we’d like to share some news.
Tim Bell, vice president, has stepped down from his role to focus on the needs of his growing company, Sciath aiM Forge Inc. We, collectively as the board, are thankful to Tim for his 4+ years of service and contributions to AMUG!
The vice president works in partnership with the director of sponsors & exhibitors to communicate, coordinate, and manage sponsors and exhibitors for the annual AMUG Conference, a role that is very important. The AMUG Board recently voted to appoint a successor, and we are pleased to welcome Nate Schumacher as vice president on the board of directors for the 2025-2026 term.
Nate brings an extensive resume of AMUG experience through committee volunteer efforts, most recently as co-chair of the Track Leader Committee and as a member of the Agenda and Program Committee.
The AMUG Board of Directors is in Reno this week working on plans to make the 2026 conference the most engaging, educational, and community-building yet! We look forward to seeing you all in sunny Reno in March.
Nate Schumacher, newly appointed Vice President.
Welcoming AMUG’s Second Employee: Aryn Mc Hale Joins as Program Manager
It is with great pleasure that I introduce Aryn Mc Hale, AMUG’s second official employee, who joins us as program manager. If you’ve attended an AMUG Conference in recent years, chances are you’ve already seen her in action! Aryn has been an integral part of our events behind the scenes, having supported AMUG for several years through our event management partner, Red Oak. Her work has spanned AMUGexpo coordination, speaking sessions, meeting rooms, and countless other crucial details.
As AMUG continues to grow alongside the AM industry, we are building out our internal operations team to support this evolution. Since its inception, AMUG has proudly operated as a volunteer-led organization. However, with growth comes increased demands on time and resources. Recognizing that time is our most valuable asset, the board of directors initiated a phased plan to expand our operational capacity, starting with the hiring of Jordan Weston as our operations manager in 2023.
Now, with Aryn joining the team, we further strengthen our ability to focus on what we do best: delivering an exceptional AMUG experience. Her addition allows the board of directors to better align volunteer commitments and operational demands, ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of our events.
Looking ahead, the 2026 AMUG Board is eager to gather in Reno, Nevada, at the Grand Sierra Resort to begin planning for what could be our best event yet. Our focus will include strategic planning, refining volunteer roles, and collaborating as a unified team.
Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Aryn Mc Hale—we’re thrilled to have her on board!
Robin Van Bragt
Treasurer
Aryn Mc Hale, AMUG’s new Program Manager.
Heather Natal, Thoughts on Second Term
Thank you so much for the great honor of serving AMUG again as your secretary. The past two years have been a wonderful opportunity not only to give back to the additive community but also to develop a deeper understanding of the intricacies of our complex role in the world while learning about ways to better share our story.
While the secretary role may seem mundane to many, it brings me great joy to utilize my organizational skills for the benefit of this community. AMUG has been going strong for over 35 years and has a great history, for which we want to keep records of all the AMazing things we’ve achieved while setting us up for many successful years in the future.
I look forward to seeing you all again soon in Reno for AMUG 2026. If there’s anything I can assist you with in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach me at secretary@amug.com.
Heather Natal
Secretary
Heather Natal, incumbent and incoming Secretary.
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Kim Killoran, Thoughts on Rejoining the Board
I’m excited to be back on the AMUG Board, serving this community in an expanded capacity.
Having previously served as secretary on the board for five years (2014-2019), then transitioning to the chair of the marketing committee for the past five years, the move back to the AMUG Board, in the newly created position of director of marketing and events, felt like a great natural progression and fit for me.
I’m looking forward to once again working with my fellow board members and bringing more emphasis and visibility to marketing at a strategic level.
My AMUG Journey:
My entry into AMUG began in 2012 (Costa Mesa) when Stratasys first participated. I was “volunteered” to hand out Stratasys polos, journals, and more at the registration desk to approximately 300 attendees. I also coordinated the setup of the Stratasys room and the presentation schedule. I immediately fell in love with the camaraderie of the people and the way the conference was run.
At the 2013 AMUG Conference, based on my interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to help, I was nominated during the AMUG business meeting at the conference and voted onto the AMUG Board as secretary. I received my AMUG DINO award in 2017.
Serving on the AMUG team for so many years has been a pleasure. And I look forward to writing the next chapter of my AMUG and AM of history!
Kim Killoran
Director, Marketing and Events
Kim Killoran, incoming Director, Marketing and Events.
Photo Gallery from AMUG 2025
If you’d like to relive or experience the 2025 AMUG Conference, we’ve prepared an extensive photo gallery.
With nearly 900 photos spanning the conference, AMUGexpo, AMUGderby, workshops, sessions, and evening activities, the gallery captures the action and camaraderie of AMUG 2025.
Each image is available for download in high resolution. So, if you want that image of yourself or those you admire, grab it and enjoy.
Relive the experience: click here.
Browse the extensive gallery of AMUG 2025 images.
SPONSOR NEWS
Stratasysstratasys.com
North American Tooling Center of Excellence Opened in Flint, Michigan
Stratasys recently announced the launch of the North American Stratasys Tooling Center (NASTC), a new collaboration with Automation Intelligence, LLC (AI), at AI’s manufacturing site in Flint, Michigan. This dedicated tooling hub is designed to assist manufacturers with validating and scaling practical applications for AM in production environments.
The NASTC operates both the Stratasys F3300® and F900® 3D printers, providing hands-on access to engineering resources for applications focused on critical tooling solutions such as jigs, fixtures, and end-of-arm tooling.
“This Center of Excellence will have a significant impact for manufacturers, showing how additive fits into their production environment,” said Fadi Abro, director of global automotive & mobility at Stratasys.
“Tooling is the heartbeat of manufacturing,” said Jeff McGarry, managing partner at Automation Intelligence. “The NASTC offers an environment where manufacturers can see for themselves how additive tools can address today’s challenges with faster turnaround times, digital flexibility, and lower costs.”
Read the full announcement.
Stratasys F3300® and F900® 3D printers in the new North American Stratasys Tooling Center.
GoEngineergoengineer.com
Optimize Your Designs and 3D Prints
Move beyond generic concepts to address real-world AM challenges in this on-demand session with Steven Darcey and Matt Sherak as they 3D scan a firefighter’s helmet and a human head. This webinar delves into key areas for optimizing your 3D printing operations through insights on process efficiency, material selection, and design for AM (DfAM) to enhance part quality and reduce production costs.
The team will explore strategies for troubleshooting common print failures, improving surface finish, and integrating new technologies into your existing workflows. This isn’t just theory; it’s about applying proven techniques to achieve measurable improvements in your projects.
Gain direct, actionable strategies to boost your team’s productivity and leverage the full potential of your additive systems.
Check it out for yourself.
Firefighter helmet in SOLIDWORKS.
SMEsme.org
RAPID + TCT 2026: Forge Deals; Fuel Growth
Build face-to-face relationships with industry veterans and new-to-AM attendees at North America’s largest AM and industrial 3D printing event.
“We knew this was the right show to launch our technology, and it truly proved to be the best platform to showcase what we’ve built,” said Schendy Kernizan, CEO of Rapid Liquid Print and first-time exhibitor at RAPID + TCT 2025.
Click here to learn more about showcasing your AM products and services at RAPID + TCT 2026, taking place April 14-16 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center!
Rapid Liquid Print CEO Schendy Kernizan showcasing capabilities at RAPID + TCT 2025.
MEDIA SPONSOR NEWS
Digital Engineeringdigitalengineering247.com
Automotive Design Covered in June Issue
The June issue of Digital Engineering magazine focuses on new automotive design innovations, including a feature on emerging use cases for AM in automotive and other vehicle applications. The issue also includes our coverage of AMUG 2025 and RAPID+TCT events, an overview of corrosion simulation, and more.
Read the June issue here.
Automotive design innovations in the latest issue.
The TCT Groupthetctgroup.com
Listen to the Original AM Industry Podcast
Get up to speed with the latest in 3D printing and AM with Additive Insight by TCT—the original AM industry podcast.
In recent episodes, Peter Richards, CEO of DEEP Manufacturing, talks about how the HexBot six-arm robotic WAAM system is gearing up to deliver a sub-sea world first. In our Innovators on Innovators series, Kat Ermant from Peloton and Brianne Malloy from Estée Lauder chat about their journeys from fine art degrees to careers in AM, tackling everything from imposter syndrome to career tips for newcomers. We also sit down with Major General Phil Prosser, who shares how the British Army is using 3D printing to strengthen supply chains and support troops on the front line.
Search ‘Additive Insight’ on your chosen podcast platform or listen here.
Metal AM magazinemetal-am.com
The Summer 2025 Issue of Metal Additive Manufacturing Magazine is Out Now!
This Summer 2025 issue features all the industry news highlights from the last quarter, plus the following exclusive deep-dive articles:
- LEAP 71: Why engineering must move beyond CAD to realise the promise of AI and Additive Manufacturing
- Additive manufacturing and European defence: a critical opportunity as the US and China accelerate ahead
- A market analyst’s view: Europe’s opportunity as defence AM surges in the US and China
- From fixed processes to flight parts: How REM’s advanced surface finishing supports NASA JPL’s AM innovations
- The future of large metal parts: WAAMathon #2 showcases developments in Wire Arc Directed Energy Deposition
- Wire Electron Beam Directed Energy Deposition (DED): Advancing productivity and sustainability in metal AM
- Building trust in AM: How Qualified AM GmbH is enabling regulated production at scale
Get your free PDF download here.
Out now: Summer 2025 issue of Metal AM magazine.
3D Adept3dadept.com
Win or Lose
In today’s AM landscape, the role of AI—and the extent to which it can truly drive efficiency and competitive advantage—is still up for debate. The AM sector often prides itself on complexity. The more intricate the lattice, the more organic the form, the more radical the part appears, the more it is celebrated. But complexity is not a proxy for capability. What if complexity doesn’t serve the purpose?
Looking across vertical industries, aerospace and defense is arguably the sector advancing AM the most this year. Yet, the economic and strategic implications of this progress are often swept under the rug—for obvious reasons.
In this issue of 3D ADEPT Mag, we decided to face the hard conversations head-on. Because, as American country singer, actor, and businessman Jimmy Dean once said, “[We] can’t change the direction of the wind, but [we] can adjust [our] sails to always reach [our] destination.” We explore these questions across several sections of this issue.
Download the 2025 May/June edition of 3D ADEPT Mag.
In this issue: taking a hard look at the implications.
Engineering.comengineering.com
Who has the Best Customer Support in 3D Printing?
Please share your thoughts and experiences in our 2-minute survey.
Submit your customer support input here.
Input on customer support wanted.
VoxelMattersvoxelmatters.com
VoxelMatters Reveals AM Industry Generated $12.3 Billion in 2024
VoxelMatters has opened pre-sales for its AM Market 2025 report, the most comprehensive analysis of the AM industry to date. This 550+-page study offers insights into hardware, materials, and services, with a 10-year forecast projecting market growth from $12.3B in 2024 to $108B by 2034 (CAGR: 24.4%).
In 2024, hardware led the market with $5.5B in revenue, followed by services ($4.3B) and materials ($2.4B). While polymer AM remains dominant, metal AM is growing quickly, and ceramics saw the highest year-on-year growth.
The study is backed by 268,000+ verified data points and profiles of 1,541 AM companies. It details core technologies—like material extrusion, PBF, and binder jetting—and explores trends in software, post-processing, and DfAM.
Designed as a strategic tool for AM professionals, OEMs, and investors, the report helps identify opportunities and navigate the industry’s rapid transformation.
See the full article here or pre-order the full market report here.
New report: AM Market 2025.
3DPrint.com3dprint.com
Measuring Excellence: On the Ground at Hexagon Live in Fabulous Las Vegas
In his opening keynote at Hexagon Live, Ola Rollén, CEO of Greenbridge and the chairman of the board for Hexagon AB, said, “To measure is to know.” From cubits and furlongs to feet, miles, and kilometers, measurement technologies are integral to our way of life.
Hexagon, the global leader in measurement technologies, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Rollén shared two big announcements during his keynote, starting with the decision to spin off the company’s ETQ and Bricsys acquisitions, along with its Asset Lifecycle Intelligence (ALI) and Safety, Infrastructure and Geospatial (SIG) divisions, into a new industrial software and SaaS business called Octave, which launches in early 2026. He also introduced AEON, a humanoid robot that combines Hexagon’s sensor suite with advanced locomotion, spatial intelligence, and AI-driven mission control to address labor shortages and meet real-world customer needs.
While Hexagon is not a 3D printing company, its many solutions, such as Geomagic, are often used in tandem with 3D printing. There were a few presentations at the event that showcased these applications, like Wyve’s 3D-printed surfboards, a 3D-printed scapula implant in Tel Aviv, and how Boeing leverages an AM digital thread.
You can read our full Hexagon Live review here.
Ola Rollén delivering the keynote at Hexagon Live.
3D Printing Industry3dprintingindustry.com
Strategic Signals from AMAA 2025 and the Launch of a New AM Energy Event
What do you get when you read 3,000 pages and log nearly 30 hours with AM leaders across aerospace, space, and defense?
At 3DPI, we’ve done the deep work so you don’t have to. Ahead of Additive Manufacturing Advantage Aerospace, Space and Defense (AMAA) 2025, our editorial team interviewed the companies and operators shaping the future of these critical verticals. We’ve distilled their insights into a clear, strategic briefing, which is now ready for you to read.
And there’s more: on the back of our successful Aerodef edition, we’re expanding the AMA format to tackle another high-stakes frontier: Energy. If you’re building, deploying, or investing in AM for the energy sector, the call for speakers and startups is now open.
Bring your insights. Shape the agenda. Be part of the next wave.
Save the date—AMA:Energy arrives September 17.
