President’s Report
This month I would like to focus on the 2014 AMUG Conference agenda.
The theme, of course, is “Education and Training.” To give that theme more meaning, I would like to announce our session tracks and the track leaders who have stepped up to make this the most impactful agenda we have ever had.
Track Leaders
Art and Architecture | Kevin Ayers | kayers@fbiacademy.edu | FBI |
Castings | Steve Murray | steve@hoosierpattern.com | Hoosier Pattern |
Education/Academic | Ed Tackett | etackett@rapidtech.org | RapidTech |
Manufacturing Tools | Dana Foster | dfoster@rpplusm.com | RP+M |
Materials | Tim Gornet | tim.gornet@louisville.edu | University of Louisville |
Metals | Bob Zubrickie | bobz@te.com | TE Connectivity |
Scanning | Derek Ellis | derek.ellis@cati.com | Computer Aided Technology |
SLS | David Leigh | dkleigh@harvest-tech.com | Harvest Technologies |
Transportation | Scott Chapman | schapman@atiintegration.com | Applied Technology Integration |
Following are tracks that still need track leaders. If you are interested in leading one of these, let me know, and I will send you all the information.
- Aerospace
- SLA
- Medical
If you are interested in presenting, please contact one of the Track Leaders ASAP since our deadline to submit a presentation topic is fast approaching (November 22nd). We will also be offering additional presentations that may not be a part of these tracks, such as safety, reading MSDS sheets, system maintenance and others.
We are looking for presentations from those that are beginners to those working at advanced levels. Everyone has insights to share, so please do not hesitate to contact one of the listed track leaders or me. For example, there have been a number of questions on LinkedIn regarding ProJet. So anyone interested in presenting on these machines (novice or pro), please contact me.
Several OEM’s have already stepped up to educate and lead hands-on training sessions; will you be next? Please contact me ASAP to get involved. As the agenda fills, please look to our homepage for live updates.
Other Business
It is hard to believe that there are only five months to go before the 26th AMUG Conference kicks off. At present, we have 54 registrants with 50% being first-timers. Both are record highs for this early in the process. Please visit our homepage (www.am-ug.com) and register. We are sure to sell out of the hotel as well so get your rooms reserved now.
For the first time ever, five of your board members will be attending EuroMold (December 3rd – 6th). If you are attending, please stop by the SLM Solutions booth, Hall 11, Stand D86 (AMUG is sharing a small portion of this booth) and say hello.
Until next month,
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.
2014 Keynotes
Our 2014 AMUG Conference agenda will feature keynote presentations from Todd Grimm, Jason Lopes (Legacy Effects) and Dr. Mike North (North Design Labs). These men are sought-after speakers that will set the tone for the conference.
This month, we feature Todd Grimm. Jason and Mike will be featured in the December and January newsletters.
Todd Grimm (T. A. Grimm & Associates) is AMUG’s AM industry advisor. On Monday, April 7th, he will jump start the conference with insight into the big AM picture. Todd will share his thoughts on the present and future with highlights of recent developments, current trends and future advancements. But rest assured that this won’t be an over-the-top, AM-conquers-the-world presentation. Instead, Todd promises an “enthusiastically realistic” take on what is happening in the industry.
After three consecutive years of having Todd as a keynote presenter, we thought 2013 was time for a new face, but based on attendee comments, we were wrong. Todd’s energy, enthusiasm and passion were sorely missed. So, by popular demand, we are bringing him back, and you won’t want to miss it.
Technical Competition – 2014
The Technical Competition is always a fierce but friendly event. The exceptional work that is presented on Monday evening as part of the AMUGexpo is sure to draw a large crowd.
The one question that must be asked is, “Can you do better?” If you think you have a project that the world needs to see, please visit the Technical Competition page for entry details. The Technical Competition has two categories: Advanced Concepts (push the technology envelope) and Advanced Finishing (bring parts to life). All entries will be displayed at the conference’s AMUGexpo, and the winners will be announced during the Award Banquet gala.
Gary Rabinovitz
AMUG Past President
pastpresident@am-ug.com
Sponsor News – Stratasys
Stratasys Releases Digital ABS2 for Objet 3D Printers
The most durable PolyJet photopolymer, Digital ABS, now comes in an enhanced version capable of building thinner-walled parts. Digital ABS2 is available in ivory and green.
The Sorovetz Report
It is five months and counting until zero hour for the 2014 AMUG Conference and Expo, so now is the time to start making your plans to attend this great conference at the Hilton El Conquistador in Tucson, AZ. The Hilton offers round trip transportation from the Tucson Airport for $45.00 per person each way plus gratuity (If you are planning on flying into Phoenix airport let me know, and I will work on getting a discounted rate for transportation). This is NOT a shuttle service and is based on your transportation needs. However, you might be grouped together upon arrival (and departure) in order to provide the most cost-effective service, but wait times will not be more than 15 minutes. For your convenience charges for transportation provided by Hilton will be posted to your guestroom.
On Saturday, April 5, 2014, there will be a golf outing (scrambles format) at the Hilton Country Club. The cost is $125.00 per person and includes18 holes of golf, golf cart, prizes and round trip transportation from the Hilton. Please contact Mark Horner (Mark@tth.com) for additional information.
On Sunday, April 6, 2014, we plan to have an event at one of the largest sport shooting facilities in the US. Stefan Ritt has convinced me to set up an outing at the Tucson Skeet and Trap Club for a few hours of shooting “clay pigeons.” The cost is $125.00 per person and includes gun rental, instructor, 50 rounds of ammo, 50 clay pigeons, a bottle of water and a sport drink. Food and alcoholic beverages (after you are done shooting) can be purchased in the club house for an additional fee. We need a minimum of 20 participants to have this event so please sign up and pay early. Please contact me (eventmanager@am-ug.com) if you have any questions — at least until I can have Stefan (stefan.ritt@slm-solutions.com) become the contact person.
See you in sunny Tucson,
Thomas A. Sorovetz
Event Manager