June 2025
President’s Report
June is a favorite month of mine (also my birth month!). Flowers are blooming, the garden is starting to yield fruit and vegetables, daylight lasts longer, and there seem to be more gatherings – gatherings that include graduation parties, showers, weddings, family vacations, and backyard barbeques. If there is one thing I love, it is a good gathering!
This is a large part of what I so look forward to with the AMUG Conference. It can be the one time a year I get to see people who have become so special to me; it’s the time of year when my network inevitably grows larger.
Shannon VanDeren
President
AMUG growing larger has been so wonderful to experience. While our overall quantity of people doesn’t always grow larger each year, we continue to welcome hundreds of first-timers to the event…and that is growth! We have also welcomed some first-time sponsors that experienced the event that AMUG has come to be! Numbers fluctuate, but our intention, ambition, and enthusiasm for creating this event DOES NOT. Again, our success is absolutely measured not by headcount but instead by outcomes.
I’ve also been very intentional with growing our relationships within the industry. Since becoming president, I have been inviting representatives from other industry organizations. Some serve the AM community in their own right, and some serve communities that run parallel (and even intersect) with AM. Working collaboratively to serve the larger group of industry colleagues, as well as contribute to the awareness, growth, and adoption of AM, is such an important element of the users group. We are a servant body to the users, and bringing technology awareness/use cases before the users is something that should not be missed. This last year, you may have been so fortunate as to have exchanges with team members from SME, Formnext, SPE, Additive Manufacturing Strategies (AMS), Additive Coalition, American Green Trade Association, MIMA, and others. We also aligned with MSOE to offer education credits to our users to further add to the benefit of attendance and participation (you’ll see more of that next year).
We have heard, on occasion, that there can be a perception that we are too USA-focused. That stings a little, but we understand that people’s feelings are real, and I am grateful that they feel able to vocalize them. We have, for years, had international ambassadors and even an international committee (populated by OUR members). We hope to identify ways for these members to be more impactful in supporting our membership (and potential future members) that are outside of the U.S. If you have suggestions, we are wide open to hearing those.
You may have seen me and Jordan Weston at Formnext last year, and we will be there again this year. This is our opportunity to see YOU. We hope to meet and learn from many more international experts in November and are so thankful to the Formnext team for their welcoming spirit in sharing time with us in Frankfurt. Another thing we are super excited about is that we are adding translation services to AMUG 2026!! We did a trial of it this year (with the help of some generous bilingual members and at least one with hearing impairment), and it proved extraordinary. AMUG 2026 will have translation available during general sessions and each track session. Our hope is that this helps bridge the communication gap and allows for even further technology exchange.
As we navigate these incoming months of summer, we are focused on you. If you have insights or feedback you want us to know, please send me an email at president@amug.com.
I wish you a month of joy, blessings, and growth of your own.
Warmly,
Shannon VanDeren
President
President@amug.com
TCT Hall of Fame Inducts AMUG Veterans
We’re thrilled to announce that two former AMUG Board members and long-time industry aficionados were inducted into the TCT Hall of Fame during the TCT Awards (June 4, Birmingham, UK)!
Sheku Kamara served as AMUG Vice President, President and Past President from 2007-2009, and he received his AMUG DINO in 2010. Sheku has continuously supported AMUG through speaking sessions, workshops, and more. He also encouraged two Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) employees (Vince Anewenter and Jordan Weston) to volunteer their time as AMUG Board members.
Todd Grimm served as AM Advisor on the AMUG Board from 2012-2021. He consistently supports the AMUG Conference year after year in speaking roles and by volunteering for committees. He received his AMUG DINO in 2013.
And a special shout-out to Neil Hopkinson, an AMUG DINO (2009), for also being inducted into the TCT Hall of Fame this year!
Watch the announcements of Todd’s and Sheku’s induction and their acceptance speeches: Todd Grimm | Sheku Kamara
Congratulations, Sheku, Todd, and Neil!
New TCT Hall of Fame inductees Todd Grimm (left) and Sheku Kamara (right), along with Scott Crump, who is also an AMUG DINO and Hall of Fame inductee.
AMUG Reflections: Justin Levy, Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship Winner
Attending AMUG 2025 as the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship recipient provided me with invaluable experiences, extensive learning opportunities, and numerous professional connections. Volunteering and participating in the conference setup allowed me to deeply engage with the event, encouraging me to connect with the AMUG Board and many other volunteers from around the globe. Competing in the technical competition with my team’s demonstration of AM-produced Humvee parts highlighted practical applications of AM in forward operating environments, generating significant interest and networking opportunities.
Key insights from various sessions expanded my knowledge significantly. The Department of Defense session clarified critical differences between manufacturing and sustainment strategies during wartime vs. peacetime, emphasizing the need for accessible file catalogs and improved cross-branch data sharing, specifically discussing the F-35 joint program and JAMMEX initiatives. Additionally, discussions on AM’s accessibility underscored the importance of simplifying processes for active-duty personnel.
Justin Levy (right) receiving the 2025 Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship award from Brent Griffith, Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee.
Panels on supply chain and surface finishing provided many insights. Awareness of risks associated with global supply chain shocks highlighted the importance of bolstering U.S.-based manufacturing, especially concerning critical minerals. The surface finishing discussions, particularly with REM Surface Engineering, illuminated the potential for improved post-processing efficiency using advanced surface polishing technology, leading to a promising collaboration with Dr. Diaz from REM on my research at The Ohio State University (OSU).
Hands-on workshops, like the tin casting experience, expanded my understanding of various casting methods, specifically the capabilities and nuances of SLA and sand mold printing. Sessions focusing on AI demonstrated its growing role across all facets of AM, from managing manufacturing processes to advanced flow simulations, indicating valuable avenues for future exploration.
Networking throughout AMUG resulted in promising future collaborations crucial for ongoing and upcoming projects, including initiatives focused on advanced material applications and future AMUG technical competitions. The professional connections made at AMUG 2025 have proven invaluable, especially amidst recent hiring challenges within the DOD, by opening doors for possible employment opportunities with various innovative organizations across the additive sector.
I highly recommend participation in AMUG’s technical competition due to the excellent exposure and valuable networking opportunities it provides…I plan on participating next year with an innovative use of finishing and design. Additionally, I strongly encourage other undergraduate students to pursue the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship, as it significantly enhanced my connections within the AM community. Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Renee Bourdeau for continuing Guy’s legacy and creating this opportunity for students interested in the AM industry, along with Project MFG for their generous sponsorship of the scholarship.
Justin Levy
2025 Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship Winner
AMUG Reflections: Colleen Murray, Randy Stevens Scholarship Winner
As a first-time attendee at AMUG 2025, I was truly amazed by AMUG. I had heard stories of your close-knit, inclusive family, but to experience it firsthand was incredible.
I attended AMUG alone, only knowing one person going into the conference. I was hesitant but immediately brought into the fold and supported. I met so many people who would go out of their way to speak to me throughout the week. By Thursday night, I felt like a lifelong member. The friendships I made throughout the week will stay with me for years to come.
By attending the AMUG Conference, I had the opportunity to meet the leaders in the AM community. They were able to answer questions and provide advice for my research and the curriculum I am writing. These individuals generously offered their time and resources to help me build my Advanced Manufacturing and Automation course. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet these individuals so that I can continue to ask them for advice.
Colleen Murray (right) receiving the 2025 Randy Stevens Scholarship award from Olga (Dr. O) Ivanova, Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee.
One of the highlights of the week for me was the workshops. The workshop leaders were very knowledgeable about their topics. My favorite workshop was the Art and Science of Dyeing 3D Printed Parts. It included hands-on experiments to learn more about the process they used to dye parts. Other activities also included a game regarding color perception and an activity demonstrating the difficulty of matching colors. I learned a lot from the workshop and found it quite fun as well!
Colleen Murray
2025 Randy Stevens Scholarship Winner
Introduction to Alex Roschli, Incoming Director, Education and Conference
I was introduced to AMUG in 2018 when the event took place in St. Louis. The engaging technical tracks combined with the networking opportunities hooked me on the event, and I could not wait to return each year. Many of the connections I made during that first conference have lasted until today, and some have led to ongoing business collaborations and spawned rewarding research that has propelled the AM industry.
As an AM researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, I had the opportunity to present my research on large-format polymer extrusion during the 2018 conference, and I presented again in 2019 and 2021 before becoming the co-track leader for education and training following the 2021 conference. During my time as co-track leader, I facilitated sessions, moderated panels, and led workshops. I became co-chair of the Track Leader Committee after the 2022 conference and also joined the Agenda Committee.
Alex Roschli, incoming Director, Education and Conference.
During this year’s AMUG Conference, I was honored to be elected by you as your new Director, Education and Conference. In this new role, my goal is for AMUG’s annual events to be the most educational and entertaining conference you attend each year. I plan to continue adding technical content through a mix of great speakers and engaging hands-on sessions. This year, we expanded the number of workshops and offered continuing education credits to all attendees. I plan to bring both back next year and continue enriching the overall agenda.
AMUG 2026 brings us a new venue, and with that, an opportunity for great new presentations and workshops. Look for the call for speakers in this newsletter in late summer!
Alex Roschli
Incoming Director, Education and Conference
Introduction to Dallas Martin, Incoming Director, Sponsors and Exhibitors
I was asked to ponder why I wanted to be on the AMUG Board. While the answer is multi-faceted, it came quickly and without effort.
I wanted to be a part of the AMUG Board because I care about the AM community and its impact on people’s careers/lives. AMUG has helped my career at Toyota by giving me the chance to learn, connect, grow with and through others, and stay up to date on new technologies.
Along the way, I’ve made friends for life and become part of a family that supports each other. I see joining the board as a way to give back to that family, help others join that family, and support the community’s continued growth.
Dallas Martin
Incoming Director, Sponsors and Exhibitors
Dallas Martin, incoming Director, Sponsors and Exhibitors.
SPONSOR NEWS
SMEsme.org
RAPID + TCT 2025: AM in the Motor City
North America’s largest AM and industrial 3D printing event wrapped up in April, but over at SME, we can’t stop thinking about its highlights! From its co-locations with AeroDef Manufacturing, SAE’s WCX, and America Makes’ TRX, to the return of the Executive Perspectives Keynote Series, it was truly a world-class manufacturing gathering.
Click here to view a full event recap, then mark your calendar for RAPID + TCT 2026: April 14-16 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
You can also follow the 2026 event’s progress by visiting RAPID + TCT’s website, where we’ll be sharing our call for speakers, Executive Perspectives lineup, event features, registration access, and more! AeroDef Manufacturing will once again be co-locating with RAPID + TCT, amplifying the event’s impact with its focus on public/private sector collaboration.
AMUG president Shannon VanDeren (second from right) speaks on one of the event’s five Executive Perspectives Keynote Series panels.
Stratasysstratasys.com
Meet ToughONE™ – The Most Durable PolyJet™ Material Yet
PolyJet ToughONE™ is officially here — designed to offer the best of both worlds: the signature precision, color realism, and multi-material versatility PolyJet™ is known for, now combined with enhanced durability, impact resistance, and real-world functionality.
ToughONE opens the door to producing:
- Durable, functional prototypes with snap fits, thin walls, and living hinges
- Manufacturing tools like jigs and fixtures
- Custom housings, covers, and brackets
- Impact-resistant components across industries like automotive, consumer goods, and electronics
ToughONE material expands the capabilities of PolyJet technology, bridging the gap between visual appeal and functional performance.
For more details, check out the press release and visit us on Stratasys’ website.
EV charger and pipe produced with PolyJet ToughONE material.
GoEngineergoengineer.com
Get on the Online Community for Engineers
Do you often find yourself on Reddit and think, ‘How awesome would it be if there was a Reddit that was more for engineers instead of going through all of this hobby-level stuff?’ Good news — there is, and IT’S FREE! And the even better part is knowing that not only can you learn more about 3D printing and 3D scanning with professional-grade equipment (and maybe some tips and tricks on homemade stuff, too), you can also find forums to discuss the software needed to get you to your end goal.
To get access, just sign up for the GoEngineer Community using this GoEngineer Forums link.
We look forward to ‘welcoming’ you to the discussion!
Sign up for the GoE Community.
MEDIA SPONSOR NEWS
3D Printing Industry3dprintingindustry.com
AM Leaders Gear Up for Aerospace, Space & Defense Deep Dive
Mark your calendar: Additive Manufacturing Advantage (AMAA) returns July 10th, bringing together the architects of AM’s most high-stakes applications. This virtual event convenes aerospace, space, and defense insiders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible — from orbital-grade propulsion components to flight-ready structural parts.
The lineup includes keynote talks, battle-tested case studies, and sharp panel debates featuring leaders from across the supply chain. Expect insights on everything from vital materials to in-situ monitoring, alongside workflows that actually scale in mission-critical environments.
Live networking sessions offer the chance to connect with engineers, program leads, and procurement decision-makers shaping the future of AM.
Reserve your spot now and join the conversation that’s defining additive’s next frontier.
Seats Are Limited. The Future Isn’t.
Digital Engineeringdigitalengineering247.com
Artificial Intelligence in Simulation
In the new Digital Engineering “Special Focus Issue: Artificial Intelligence in Simulation,” we take a look at how AI can improve and optimize design-for-manufacture and design-for-additive workflows, including stories on synthetic data, AI-powered digital twins, open-source AI simulation and modeling, and more.
Get these AI insights with a download of this special focus issue.
Download the special focus issue of Digital Engineering for insights on AI.
The TCT Groupthetctgroup.com
A Night of Additive Excellence at the TCT Awards 2025
The TCT Awards 2025 brought together over 200 AM professionals for a night of celebration and recognition at Birmingham’s NEC.
Held during TCT 3Sixty, the evening featured 11 awards across technology and applications categories, alongside individual achievements in 3D printing.
The ceremony honored contributions to the industry with highlights including the Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award to Jonné Messer of Ford and the Sanjay Mortimer Rising Star Award to Abigail Duckworth.
The evening also saw the induction of four new members into the prestigious TCT Hall of Fame:
- Neil Hopkinson – Inventor of High-Speed Sintering
- Sheku Kamara – AM researcher and advisor
- Todd Grimm – Veteran AM consultant and speaker
- Wilhelm Meiners – Inventor of the PBF-LB/M process
Duncan Wood, CEO of TCT Group, said, “We had some exceptional winners this evening, showcasing the peak of what is possible with these technologies.”
TCT Awards was supported by sponsors ASTM International, Massivit, 3T AM, and Globus Metal Powders.
Award winners and honorees on stage at the TCT Awards 2025.
3D Adept3dadept.com
How Can a 0.01% Design Improvement in 3D Printed Parts Help Save Up to $240K/day in Semiconductor Manufacturing?
According to Johannes Homa, CEO of Lithoz, ALD rings may not be the most widely used AM application in the semiconductor industry — but they’re certainly among the most innovative.
When an ALD ring malfunctions, becomes misaligned, or causes non-uniform deposition, it can contaminate wafers, create film thickness variations, and ultimately lead to costly scrap or downtime. To minimize these risks and maintain yield, AM is emerging as a strong alternative for producing these critical parts.
Surprisingly, even a 0.01% design change in a 3D printed ALD ring can lead to improved wafer uniformity, reduced rework, and extended tool uptime. The result? Fewer defects, better throughput, and massive cost savings.
The big question: How much could you really save?
Read the full story and insights here.
15-inch, LCM-printed gas distribution ring (ADL) designed by Plasway Technologies and printed with Lithoz technology by Alumina Systems. (photo credit: Lithoz)
Engineering.comengineering.com
I Love Lattices
Do you want some insights from NASA’s Ryan Watkins on how AM is shaping the Mars Sample Return mission? Read about his work and use of lattices in this article.
Ryan was a keynote presenter at this year’s AMUG Conference. He is a research engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Unit cell variations for lattice structures.
VoxelMattersvoxelmatters.com
These are the Top 10 Polymer AM Companies by Revenue in 2024
In 2024, the leading companies in polymer AM are primarily hardware manufacturers offering proprietary materials and, in some cases, AM services. These players drive innovation by refining existing technologies, introducing new approaches, and scaling production across diverse segments. Based on insights from VoxelMatters’ Polymer AM Market 2025 report, the top 10 reflect a maturing global market that spans industrial, prosumer, and consumer applications.
While North America remains strong, the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly gaining momentum, led by fast-scaling Chinese firms. High-end industrial AM continues to be dominated by established players, whereas others are making a mark in consumer and entry-level industrial production. Notably, no company that is focused solely on third-party materials made the list (confirmed by a period of disillusionment by large material manufacturers). However, multiple companies either focus on or reinforce their business by providing AM production services, highlighting the growing value of application-agnostic AM bureaus in key verticals.
See the full article here or purchase the full market report here.
Top 10 Polymer AM Companies.
3DPrint.com3dprint.com
AM Research: Satellites Identified as Major 3D Printing Market Growth Opportunity
Over the last 10 years, the satellite industry has grown significantly. In the “new space race” between the world’s industrialized nations, stiff competition has resulted in new and improved ways to manufacture satellites, and 3D printing has played a major part. If able to match, or even exceed, its obvious willingness to continue innovating, there is great potential for the satellite industry to grow even more in the coming decade.
In 2022, Joris Peels, Vice President of Consulting for Additive Manufacturing Research (AM Research), called 3D printing for satellites a billion-dollar opportunity. Now, AM Research has published a new market study, titled “AM for Satellites: a 3D Printing Market Opportunity.”
In this report, AM Research, the leading industry analyst firm in the 3D printing/AM sector, sees the market for metal AM hardware used in satellite production growing more than four times its current size by 2033.
Read the full article here.
New study available: AM for Satellites: a 3D Printing Market Opportunity.
