AMUG June 2022

President’s report

To all AMUG Members—my friends, new and old,

As I conclude my last term as president, I look back on what was to be a simple way to give back to the industry I love so much. This didn’t turn out to be the term of service I had anticipated, but it sure wasn’t boring. Here are a few noteworthy items from the past three years.

We all know and love our annual users group conference, which is possibly the most revered in the industry. Every year, it is a great place to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. The conference runs so smoothly that it appears to be the epitome of a well-oiled machine.

Initially, as vice president, I was hesitant to step into the role of president. But after two terms as VP, I came around and thought, “Sure, I got this.”  However, I discovered we weren’t in Kansas anymore (queue Dorothy’s voice), and maybe there was a bit more behind the green curtain than I thought. Too late to back out, so I better hang on!

We started with a fairly simple update to the bylaws in 2019 that altered the AMUG Board’s director positions and terms, and we initiated the implementation process. Then T-10 days from the 2020 conference, the world changed, BIG time!  We had to postpone the conference for the first time ever. At the same time, everyone tried to make sense of this new situation and come to grips with its impact on our families, work lives, and conference. We have always put the users first, which is always Rule 1!  We reacted; we pivoted; we adjusted—not quite a veni-vidi-vici scenario, but that was to come.

OK, 2020 wasn’t going to be seen ‘clearly,’ but what was in store for the future?  We worked hard to resolve the problems and challenges of being an event that was the first to postpone, but would we be able to come back from this pandemic?  What would be our next event?  Well, that well-oiled machine pulled together, and we focused on specific tasks that addressed the big issues. How do we address closing up 2020?  What can be done for 2021?   Can we change to work with these new requirements in life?

It was not easy nor the most desired, but we could see the light in the tunnel. We worked to adjust for the modification needed to make 2021 a reality, and yes, Everest now looked a bit smaller. Adjust some dates, find some new speakers, throw in an amusement park, add a lazy ‘bourbon trail’ river, and adapt to fewer attendees… and we’re back to being a very memorable event in line with what everyone expects from AMUG. Yes, now we could clearly see a path to being the first to reopen. All the decision making and execution were done while closing up and carrying forward 2020; it was exhausting.

So, we have yet to address and enact the 2019 bylaw changes that alter the board structure. Although I had not planned on another term as president, I considered it unfair to pass this off when it was untested. So, I find myself on for one more term, but this should be easier, right?  Fortunately, the team I reference in that well-oiled machine pulls together with less time than usual to start developing the 2022 event. We still don’t know what the pandemic will do or what attendance to anticipate, but we are committed to helping our users… there’s Rule #1, again. The planning is underway, and the mechanisms behind the green curtain start to move.

We push forward toward the start of our event in 2022. Governmental regulations are still in place, and we saw the effects on attendance figures. Should this be similar to 2020, 2021, or more like 2019?  Sometimes you have to hold on and try to enjoy the ride. OK, this wasn’t one of those times. We were working feverishly to understand what rules may change and how that may impact us. Attendance tracking is a bit disappointing, to say the least. Then we hear that the bans will be lifted. In the interests of the users (Rule #1), we delayed the price increase, which was well received. I guess our historical numbers no longer apply, so how many users do we plan for, and what do we need to do to adjust to accommodate?

Well, you saw how amazing it was to have everyone together again. If it wasn’t for everyone that helps make AMUG what it is, I might not be able to share this with you. It has been one heck of a ride, and while I don’t think I could do all this again, I trust that our organization will prevail. All of our volunteers on the board of directors and the committees have come together (veni, vidi, vici) to make this a well-oiled machine that can grow as needed for our future.

This retrospective is a bit lengthy, but I think it is very important to share with you AMUG’s history that shows that the right team can and will make it happen. ‘Teamwork makes the dream work.’  So if you can help, please do. There are many ways and time-investment levels to get involved. This makes it manageable for everyone while giving you insight into what other opportunities may exist behind the green curtain. Your fellow members need you, and so will our future AMUG team.

Thank you for all your support and help!

Sincerely,

Carl Dekker
President
(soon to be Past President and Nominating Committee Chair)

Incoming President’s report

Your newly elected members of the Board of Directors do not take office until July 1. But, that does not mean we are idle – not at all. As part of our training and preparation, we are on conference calls with the current board and committees learning our roles, listening, and taking notes.

For example, the current board has selected and approved committee chairs, and these committee chairs are already looking forward to filling their teams with the volunteers that have submitted their names for consideration. AMUG’s ‘all-volunteer’ committees are the backbone in developing many aspects of our annual conference. They take the members’ ideas and suggestions and put them into action. The committees’ contributions maintain the sustainability of our organization.

As one of my primary goals for AMUG is sustainability, I am diligently working with others to review and document processes and timelines to aid our members, committees, and Board of Directors in the future. I have even researched our bylaws back to the 1988 original Charter (Tom Sorovetz, director of event and hospitality, actually had a copy).

While we know that AM is a relatively new technology but is maturing rapidly, it will be here for decades to come, and having been at the forefront, AMUG will continue as a leader in this industry – but only with your support.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Mark Abshire
Incoming President

Frank Marquette: scholarship winner

If you’ve wondered if applying for the Randy Steven’s Scholarship is worth the effort, I’ll answer that by offering my experience of being the recipient for 2022.

As an educator, I took a particular interest in AMUG as this organization’s intentions and practices have always focused on the user. This aligns with the spirit of being a teacher, as I believe we all share a student-centric spirit that defines our careers. I’ve attended several conferences and trade shows, all of which were industry focused. AMUG is different.

I believe I was awarded the scholarship because of my effort as a teacher in developing a program that introduces students to AM, but mostly because I felt comfortable sharing all of what we are doing in our program — the good, bad, and even ugly!  AMUG supports the journey of learning and growing.

When I arrived at AMUG, I was greeted by the organizers and other volunteers as if I had already been part of this family. That’s not a common thing. It set the tone for the week, and serving as a volunteer for the conference was great fun that offered unique opportunities to meet other attendees.

Having the opportunity to share the story about the program at our university that I facilitate, addressing everyone from the stage on the first morning, was a unique privilege. For the rest of the week, I was approached by too many people to count that expressed interest and gratitude for what I shared. That’s special, right?

The workshops and show floor were exceptional; surrounded by others there to learn, share, and support. What an extraordinary group of like-minded people. I learned more than I could have imagined possible.

You will also learn that the AMUG Conference is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy and pace yourself; every hour of the conference is packed with information and spontaneous introductions to people that will enlighten and entertain. The AMUG Conference is an incredible experience.

Serving as a volunteer presented opportunities to get to know the core AMUG team as well. I was able to learn more about AMUG as an organization and even offer some ideas I had about making this experience more accessible to students. Everyone was genuinely interested and listened. That was wonderful.

If you’re considering applying for one of the AMUG scholarships, do it. I didn’t know if I stood a chance, but I applied. You might just be as fortunate as I was to receive this esteemed award and experience. Thank you, AMUG!

Frank Marquette

SPONSOR NEWS

Stereolithography for end-use parts? Definitely!

Can a stereolithography 3D printed part withstand a fall from 6 feet high onto concrete? That is what a Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation team wanted to find out as they were testing a 3D printed router guide.

The team had been using wooden router guides for years though they were not happy with the wear and loss of stability over time. So, they explored multiple options that would better fit their needs, eventually deciding on stereolithography with the high-performing, durable material Somos® NeXt.

To test its robustness, the team simulated a typical “fall off the operations work table” by dropping it from 6 feet high onto concrete. The part came out totally unscathed – unlike what they had expected. The team has switched entirely to 3D printed versions since.

Like Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, many OEMs are using Somos stereolithography resins to produce high-performance parts. Contact the Somos team to learn more.

Dyndrite highlights deals with machine builders at RAPID+TCT 2022

Dyndrite kicked off RAPID+TCT 2022 by announcing three new engagements:

Azul3D, which makes resin DLP 3D printers, selected the Dyndrite Application Development Kit (ADK) to create software apps to help speed its High Area Rapid Printing (HARP) printers.

Impossible Objects made an agreement to employ Dyndrite’s GPU-accelerated computation engine to underpin its proprietary software, which drives its composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) process. This was after a recent proof-of-concept project showed Dyndrite cut build prep time by 95%.

Meteor Inkjet is working with Dyndrite to produce “Meteoryte,” a 3D software tool for developing and exposing advanced inkjet printhead capabilities for AM machine builders.

PepsiCo’s 3D printed molding prowess slashes costs by 96%

From $10,000 to $350; from 4 weeks to 48 hours, the numbers speak for themselves. Fewer companies today are busier in product development than PepsiCo. New bottle designs are a constant need, and getting from idea to product used to be an expensive and lengthy process. PepsiCo patented a brilliant workflow by marrying legacy knowledge of blow molding with the latest 3D printing technologies and materials – and turns to Nexa3D technology to get it done.

3D printed mold inserts manufactured on an NXE 400 using Loctite’s xPEEK 147 offer more than 10,000 shots. That’s exponentially more productivity than the 3D printing platform/material combinations they’d tried previously. 

Bottles also need caps, and PepsiCo went smaller for these smaller pieces. The team leverages the XiP desktop 3D printer from Nexa3D together with Addifab’s Freeform Injection Molding technology to top off the new bottle designs.

Read more in the full case study and check out PepsiCo + Nexa3D sharing details from RAPID + TCT  here.

Stratasys advances 3D printed production parts in automotive and racing applications

Two recent announcements build on long-standing relationships, leveraging Stratasys’ expertise to ensure use of the right 3D printing technologies, materials, and post-processing for quality, high-performance parts:

Stratasys teamed with NASCAR to produce the first-ever 3D printed production parts to be featured across all NASCAR Next Gen cars including:

• A windshield air cockpit ventilation unit using the Stratasys H350™ 3D printer
• An underside NACA duct for engine cooling with the Stratasys Fortus® 450mc 3D printer

Read more

Stratasys was recently named an official 3D printing partner of Toyota Racing Development (TRD). TRD is expanding its use of AM from prototyping to end-use parts by integrating the new composite-ready F370®CR 3D printers, among others, into their manufacturing facilities in Salisbury, NC, and Costa Mesa, CA.

Read more

Essentium HSE 3D Printing Platform used to manufacture COVID-19 breathalyzer kiosks

The Worlds Protect team, which resulted from a partnership between Texas A&M University System, Worlds Inc., and the US Air Force, needed to rapidly screen large groups of people for COVID-19, with targeted expanse into austere environments. Using Essentium’s HSE 3D Printer and materials, they made this a reality in the fastest time possible.

Essentium’s HSE 3D printing technology was used to prototype and manufacture ten Worlds Protect COVID-19 breathalyzer kiosks. The HSE printed parts in less than a day, a 66% reduction compared to the three-day turnaround of subtractive methods, while costs for some parts were reduced by up to 90% — one of the mountings used in the final product was quoted at $110 for a machined version but cost just $12 to print. In prototyping these parts, Essentium’s low-cost PLA material was used. However, with the end-use components needing to withstand up to 100°C, the company’s PA-CF material was used in production.

Learn how the Worlds Protect team reduced the cost and lead time for end-use parts in this detailed case study.

fabWeaver type A530 – Red Dot Design award

The fabWeaver type A530 won in the Industrial Design category of the ‘Red Dot Design Award 2022’, which is well-known as an international competition for product design, communication design, and design concepts. Type A530 considers the design and concept suitable for an industrial 3D printer; a design that exquisitely harmonizes straight lines and curves and a color touch screen that enhances convenience for 3D printer users.

In addition, the illumination on the side of the main body shows the printing status in real-time. For instance, a green light means door locked because of printing, a red light means errors, and a deep blue light means complete setting. Type A350 has an exterior designed with the user’s convenience in mind, and it attracted participants at AMUG 2022 and RAPID+TCT 2022 with its sophisticated and unexceptional design combined with high-quality printing.

GE Additive and Orchid to drive scalable metal 3D printing innovation in large joint orthopedic implants

“We are thrilled to collaborate with GE Additive to bring additive manufacturing capabilities to our customers,” said Nate Folkert, chief executive officer of Orchid. “GE Additive has an excellent reputation and is a market leader in the additive space. Together with our extensive knowledge of large joint orthopedic manufacturing, we will be able to serve customers like never before. They will have the assurance that we are taking an extra level of care by partnering with GE Additive. I look forward to seeing Orchid drive continued additive manufacturing innovation as a result of this Agreement.”

Read the press release here.

3D printing & knife edges: What you need to know

The risks related to thin walls and fragile features are common in 3D printing and AM. Known as “knife edges,” these are very thin areas in 3D design files below printer tolerances for integrity and stability during printing. These areas can cause deformities, make the part fragile, or destroy the part’s integrity if the knife edge is not rectified.

Because Quickparts has been at the forefront of the AM industry for decades, customers can rely on its expertise to help avoid knife edges and other issues and obtain the best results with their 3D printed parts.

Quickparts delivers the broadest range of AM technologies and materials in the industry. Let us show you how we put our expertise to work for you!

To learn more about knife edges, click here, or you can contact a manufacturing expert today.

Cheers to 30 years

If you’ve seen us at tradeshows lately, you’re probably wondering…what’s with all the flannel? We’re going ‘retro with grunge’ and celebrating 30 years (1992) of providing companies with top-tier solutions to meet the demands of their product development challenges. From being the first SOLIDWORKS reseller to offering the latest technology from Stratasys and Creaform, CATI has evolved to ensure you have the best products to get your job done right the first time.

Read more from our president, Richard Werneth.

It may be our anniversary, but you get the presents. For the month of July, save 30% off your PolyJet 3D printed part orders with code 30for30. Start your order now.

HxGN LIVE Global 2022

From June 20 – 23, Hexagon will present its flagship digital reality solutions conference HxGN LIVE Global 2022 at the Venetian in Las Vegas.  Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence will host The Future of Manufacturing Summit this year. The agenda is designed to provide informative, practical sessions to accelerate the digital journey of manufacturers with the power of virtual and real-world data combined with the latest in AI and machine learning.

Attendees will find dedicated programming covering AM applications, including a workshop on light weighting EVs. Programming highlights include Unleashing additive manufacturing for supply challenges, Best practices for the development of additive manufacturing material datasets, process simulation and machine learning for additive manufacturing, and improving dimensional conformance of metal additive manufactured parts.

To register for HxGN LIVE, click here for an exclusive offer and use code HXGNMICC-7392. The registration fee is $1099, so be sure to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Listen to Additive Snack season 3 now

Additive Snack, hosted by Fabian Alefeld, the Additive Minds consultant manager for EOS North America, is a forum that delivers expert insights, interviews, and real-world stories that help you and your business achieve growth as well as success through AM. In the latest season of Additive Snack, hear from innovative industry leaders like Lin Kayser, CEO of Hyperganic Group, Arno Held, managing partner of AM Ventures, and more as they discuss the past, present, and groundbreaking future of AM technology.

AM can be confusing, and the path forward can be complex. Additive Snack is here to bring clarity to the chaos and provide insight into the many advantages, challenges, and shared experiences of your AM journey.

No marketing B.S. and no product pitches. Just the education, inspiration, and information you and your organization need to drive business growth.

Start Additive Snack(ing)

MEDIA SPONSOR NEWS

Putting down roots in the implant market

The co-founders of Tangible Solutions, Adam Clark and Chris Collins, launched their company nine years ago in a garage where they 3D-printed plastic parts. They’ve left the garage and now additively manufacture thousands of titanium implants monthly from a 25,000-sq.-ft. factory. Click here to read their story.

Other interesting posts on The Additive Report site:

Unsticky situation: Azul 3D explains how it solved the adhesion problem that challenges builders of DLP-style printers.

Xerox Elem Additive Solutions’ Tali Rosman tells the Additive Reporter why 3D printing is critical to national security. Click here to view the video.

Researchers devise AM process that combines resin and powder printing.

Learn more about the new ceramic AM technology, LIS

In ceramic AM, current methods have been hard to adopt and have many barriers to entry, especially for traditional ceramic manufacturers. Lithoz is launching its new LIS (laser induced slip casting) technology to address this. But what exactly is it? How does it work? And how can it be integrated into existing ceramic process chains?

To learn more, join us on June 29 at 10:00 am EDT for the webinar “LIS Technology – the new way of ceramic 3D printing.” There, Lithoz will unveil for the first time the new LIS process. Lithoz (Dr. Johannes Homa), Alumina Systems (Dr.-Ing Holger Wampers), and QEP3D (Dr. Thomas Mühler) will deep-dive into all relevant details of the technology, including its water-based material and ability to process dark ceramics, and discuss why it provides a perfectly low technology entry barrier into 3D printing for the traditional ceramic industry. Register for free here.

TCT Awards: A night of additive excellence

Over 200 industry professionals gathered to celebrate the winners of the prestigious TCT Awards last week.

After a two-year hiatus, the 2022 awards ceremony recognized a multitude of achievements and outstanding contributions to the 3D printing and AM sector. The night saw 11 winners in total, alongside 14 projects and organizations recognized as highly commended.

The night also included the induction of three new members to the TCT Hall of Fame, which celebrates individuals who have made a positive, significant, and long-term impact on the AM industry. AM researcher, consultant and educator Phill Dickens and AM consultant, author and speaker Terry Wohlers were announced as the 2020 recipients, and AM pioneer, researcher and advocate Elaine Hunt was announced as this year’s inductee. The ceremony also saw the return of the TCT Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award, which was awarded to Eliana Fu, industry manager, aerospace & medical at TRUMPF.

Simulation Democratization

The June issue of Digital Engineering focuses on simulation democratization, including the use of design automation tools. The issue also includes a feature about selecting the right manufacturing process for your design – additive, subtractive, or hybrid. You can download the issue here.

Going digital with AM

The supply chain continues to be a story for AM, especially with the recent news from President Biden on the new AM Forward initiative. I recently interviewed Dave Evans, CEO of Fictiv, to discuss AM and the supply chain, among other subjects.

Listen to the interview here.

Facts and figures time!

Metal AM magazine, published quarterly in digital and print formats, is read by a truly international audience of AM component manufacturers, end-users, industry suppliers, analysts, researchers, and more.

Did you know that:

✔️ North America accounts for 38% of our readership?

✔️ On average, more than 30,000 copies of each issue are either downloaded, viewed online, or distributed as a print publication?

✔️ Our digital magazine, available as an interactive PDF or via an on-screen viewer, accounts for 90% of our readership?

✔️ Our LinkedIn page has more than 23,000 followers, and our content generates 250,000 impressions every month?

Why not join our community! Follow us on LinkedIn, sign up for our twice-weekly news service, or download the latest issue.