Technical Competition

The AMUG Technical Competition provides a forum for users of additive manufacturing technologies to display their unique applications as well as their finishing and post-processing capabilities.

The Advanced Concepts category aims to recognize individuals and their organization for exemplary work utilizing additive manufacturing technologies. Entries in this category will “push the envelope” for a particular technology or a combination of technologies. This category showcases innovative elements of the additive manufacturing workflow.

The Finishing & Post Processing category recognizes the precision, creativity, and technical skill applied to the final stages of additive manufacturing. While design and engineering spark innovation, finishing and post processing ensure a functional, deliverable part—refining surfaces, enhancing performance, and elevating presentation.

First-place winners in each category and the Members’ Choice winner will each receive one complimentary pass to attend next year’s conference.  Winners also get visibility on the amug.com website, where their achievements will be highlighted, and in a press release, providing exposure to industry professionals and the media. Additionally, winners are invited to present on the main stage at the following year’s conference, allowing them to share their work.  This is all in addition to the physical award they are presented with and can display with pride.

Users may submit entries in the Advanced Concepts or the Finishing & Post Processing categories that will be displayed as part of the AMUGexpo. Each category is open to those with any AM technology.  First-, second-, and third-place winners will be selected by a panel of judges from each category in addition to a Members’ Choice winner selected by AMUG attendee votes. An entrant may enter once in each of the Advanced Concepts and Finishing & Post Processing categories, but the same item may not be submitted in both categories.

All entries will be evaluated Monday and will remain on display during the AMUGexpo on Monday and Tuesday. The entries will be judged by a panel of AMUG DINOs, and winners will be announced Thursday morning.

Plan on competing. Visit our FAQ page to get answers to your questions.

Please note that the deadline to enter the 2026 Technical Competition is February 27, 2026.

Want to compete? Submit your entries here.

Finishing & Post Processing

• 1st Place: Ryan Watkins, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• 2nd Place: Aaron Sherman, HellermanTyton
• 3rd Place: Brent Griffith, Labconco Corporation