President’s Report
Mark Barfoot
President
As I sit and look out at -40 degree temperatures, I’m definitely dreaming about the sunny weather we’ll have in Jacksonville. It is amazing that we are down to just two months away from the conference. The board has been busy working with all of our sponsors, speakers and hotel staff to ensure all details are addressed for the conference.
Regarding details, our agenda is nearly finalized. We have just a few items to confirm before we issue a final conference agenda. For now, you can take a peek at the preliminary agenda, which was updated yesterday, to see what we have planned for you.
We’re ready for you; we just need you to register. Registering is simple: go to www.am-ug.com and use our register today button. Once you complete that process, follow the step to register for the hotel — if you have any hotel issues, please contact our event manager, and he will be happy to help you. Registering early helps the board with planning to ensure adequate hotel space, logistics for meals and many other details. Please register today.
After registering, then take the time to check out the online planner to see details on all of the topics, workshops and other things to do at the conference. Please note that you don’t have to be registered to use the planner and details on our speakers and sessions are being added daily.
I have two other actions for you to consider. We still need submissions for the Technical Competition; consider showing AMUG Conference attendees what you can do with the technology. Also, there are a few more days to apply for the two scholarships we offer for a student and a teacher within additive manufacturing; let the students and educators in your life know that deserving candidates could attend the conference for free. Details and links to webpages are listed in the articles below.
Your board is sharply focused on the goal of a great conference. I hope you are just as keen to attend. And if you are, don’t worry, we’ll be seeing you at the conference very soon.
Best regards,
Mark Barfoot
President
president@am-ug.com
Our Mission: Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) educates and advances the uses and applications of additive manufacturing technologies.
Vice President’s Report
Steve Deak
Vice President
AMUG 2015 is just around the corner! The VPs and Expo Advisor are working hard to make sure all the exhibiting goes as smooth as possible this year. All sponsors should have received an email last week with our shipping form. We are asking that you turn it in by the end of the month. We plan on reaching out to sponsors and exhibitors over the next couple of weeks to make sure we have all of the information we need to make things easy for you.
In summary, some dates to remember:
- Wednesday, February 25: Expo shipment worksheet (from each exhibitor) needs to be returned to
Dana Foster
Vice PresidentAMUG
- Friday, April 17: Move-in begins for Diamond and Platinum suites
- Sunday, April 19: Exhibitor table setup begins
Although AMUGexpo booths are sold out, we are still maintaining a ‘wait list’, so if you are interested in exhibiting, please contact one of the VPs to let them know. Bronze, Silver and Gold (and above) sponsorships are still available with the great promotional benefits, however, the Gold (and above) sponsors will not be able to have a booth at this time due to the space being filled.
When in doubt, consult your exhibitor/sponsor manual or contact your VP’s at VicePresident@am-ug.com.
See you in sunny Jacksonville soon!
Dana Foster & Steve Deak
VicePresident@am-ug.com
Event Manager’s Report
Tom Sorovetz
Event Manager
Well, we are less than 60 days from zero hour, and everything seems to be going great. Yet, some of you have contacted me in regards to reservation issues with the Hyatt. I think we have this resolved, but If anyone continues to have issues, please contact me so I can address them.
If you have not already signed up for your hotel room, please do it today. If you wait, you risk having to pay a higher rate or possibly having to stay at another hotel.
Liz Shapter with St. Augustine Outlets Guest Services sent me the following letter. If anyone is interested in going to St. Augustine before or after the conference, please contact Liz for your Free VIP Coupon book voucher. If a group of you are going, let me know and I will try to help set up round trip transportation.
Good Day AMUG Conference Attendees:
We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to sneak away for a day to visit St Augustine and spend some time shopping with us here at St Augustine Outlets. We are home to top national brands, including such names as Kate Spade, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Fossil and the only Gucci Outlet in the Southeast, among many others. We are delighted to be able to offer you a voucher in your welcome packet to receive a FREE VIP coupon book full of hundreds of dollars in savings at our stores. Just stop by Guest Services with your voucher when you arrive and pick up your FREE VIP coupon book. We look forward to your visit. www.staugoutlets.com
Liz Shapter
Guest Services
St. Augustine Outlets
500 Outlet Mall Blvd.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
gsstaug@staugoutlets.com
w | 904.826.1311
See you in sunny Jacksonville,
Thomas A. Sorovetz
Event Manager
EventManager@am-ug.com
Secretary’s Report
Kim Killoran
Secretary
There are over 300 people registered for this year’s conference, which is far better than any previous year with two months to go. We know that number will more than double in the next two months. The challenges of planning around that last minute rush are why we ask that you register soon.
The word is getting out! If you’re a user, this is THE conference to come to for greater awareness, education and networking on all additive manufacturing technologies.
If you are one of the many that hasn’t registered yet, consider doing so before March 20 to get the early registration discount!
Remember, you’ll need to register for the conference and reserve your hotel room; these are two separate items.
Kim Killoran
Secretary
Secretary@am-ug.com
Scholarships
In the honor and memory of two long-time supporters of AMUG, there are two scholarships available. To be considered, applications must be received by February 27, 2015. So, hurry and get a student or educator that you know to submit so that they have a chance to attend the AMUG Conference.
The Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship is awarded annually to one college student for additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing education and professional development. It is open to any student with a major (such as manufacturing, engineering, design, art, medical, etc.) who has an emphasis on, and a passion for, additive manufacturing and integrating additive manufacturing into their professional world. You can find more details on the scholarship here.
This is the first year for the Randy Stevens Scholarship, which has been created to reward the activities of a professor/teacher that focus on additive manufacturing. For details and a downloadable application, visit the scholarship page.
Technical Competition
Submissions are starting to come in for the 2015 AMUG Technical Competition, and there is still time to get your work entered. Winners receive a complimentary AMUG attendee pass to the 2016 AMUG Conference. We are accepting entries until March 28th. Visit the competition’s page for all of the details and registration forms.
BONUS: Stratasys customers that submit an entry that uses FDM or PolyJet will receive free material! See the webpage for details.
The Technical Competition has two categories: Advanced Concepts and Advanced Finishing. The Advanced Concepts category recognizes exemplary work that “pushes the envelope.” The Advanced Finishing category recognizes the efforts of those that bring a part to life.
All entries will be displayed at the conference’s AMUGexpo and will be judged by a panel of five “DINOs,” AMUG honorees that are expert users who graciously contribute to the member community. Winners will be announced during the conference at the Award Banquet gala.
To be eligible, a company representative must be a registered attendee for the 2015 AMUG Conference. If you have any questions, send an email to Bret Bordner, past president, at PastPresident@am-ug.com
Gary Rabinovitz & Carlos Bolanos
CHECKLIGHT
Mike Littrell
Perfect Choice
Golf and Fishing
Schedule an extra day or two before the conference and join in on the pre-conference activities.
Golf
This will be the 18th annual golf outing, which is the unofficial start of the conference for many. You will play an 18-hole scramble at Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation.
Saturday, April 18th
9:00 am shotgun start
Price: $125/person
For details visit the Golf Outing page or contact Bob Dzugan.
Bob is looking for donations of prizes (or cash to purchase them). If you can help out, please email him at rdzugan@buycastings.com.
Play a round at Eagle Landing
Fishing
When there is an ocean nearby, AMUG goes deep-sea fishing! We’ve chartered a vessel from Sea Love Charters for this half-day adventure.
Sunday, April 19th
Price: $125/person
For details, visit the Fishing Expedition page or contact Kevin Ayers / Steve McDonald.
AMUG is chartering the Sea Love II
Sponsor News – Stratasys
Vibrant Colors for Stratasys ASA Thermoplastic Technology
Stratasys is now offering eight new color options to the ASA product line: red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, white, dark gray and light gray. ASA, with vibrant, UV-stable color options will become a favorite all-purpose prototyping material for the Fortus 3D Production System. Applications include sporting goods, toys, automotive, electrical and telecom equipment.
Whether designers are creating functional prototypes or end-use parts, ASA and its color options provide superior aesthetics and mechanical properties for addressing specific needs in the most crucial steps of the design process.
Sponsor News – Concept Laser
Concept Laser Reports Strong Growth in 2014
Concept Laser achieved outstanding growth in 2014 with 110 machine orders, a 31% increase over 2013 (84 machines). This resulted in a 75% sales growth over 2013, also due to the increase in sales of the X line 1000R. “We have experienced highly dynamic growth globally,” said Frank Herzog, CEO, Concept Laser. “A primary reason for this growth is the increasing demand from the aerospace industry which relies heavily on additive production technology, as a rapid method for building prototypes and production metal parts. As a result of the increase in demand for machines, we expanded our production facility capacity in Germany, opened a US office in Dallas with dedicated sales and support, and continued our focus on research and development of new products.”
In 2014, Concept Laser built a new production hall with 3,500 square meters, increasing machine output by a factor of 2.5. With the new facility, Concept Laser adopted a new, ultra-modern development center for process progression and material research. Additionally, Concept Laser continued to strengthen its workforce to meet the growing demands for its LaserCUSING® technology. Dedicated to research and development, Concept Laser reinvests nearly 10% of its sales directly into R&D.
“Without question, in the last 15 years at Concept Laser we have pushed the boundaries in many ways. We had the great honor of being named ‘Bayerns Best 50’ for innovation and entrepreneurial thinking and action awarded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. Also, together with our project partners, Concept Laser was a finalist in the ‘German Innovation Award 2014’ for the development of the first additive manufactured titanium components on board the Airbus A350 XWB.”
Sponsor News – SLM Solutions
SLM Solutions NA, Inc. Adds Executive Vice President of North America
SLM Solutions Group AG has expanded its North American subsidiary team, SLM Solutions NA, Inc., to include Mark Hoefing, executive vice president of North America. Before being recruited by SLM Solutions, Mark was chief operating officer at Perceptron Inc., a laser-based, non-contact metrology solutions provider and 3D scanning technology supplier.
Mr. Hoefing will be responsible for the operational goals of SLM Solutions NA, which recently expanded to a new office and tripled both its sales and service staff. During his 13 years at Perceptron, Hoefing gained extensive expertise and increasing responsibilities that spanned sales, marketing, field service, system engineering, project management, product development and manufacturing. Additionally, for nearly 20 years prior to his experience at Perceptron, Mark worked for Rockwell Automation; where he held various sales, marketing and management positions.
“With the addition of Mark Hoefing, we are reaffirming our support of the growing activities in the U.S. market,” comments CEO of SLM Solutions Group AG, Dr. Markus Rechlin. “Along with extending our technology leadership through a focus on research and development, expanding our international sales and service network is a key initiative for the coming years. The amplified presence in North America anticipates an increasing demand for fast, flexible and cost efficient systems that are built for metal part and prototype production.”
Sponsor News – SLM Solutions
SLM Solutions NA, Inc. Adds Executive Vice President of North America
SLM Solutions Group AG has expanded its North American subsidiary team, SLM Solutions NA, Inc., to include Mark Hoefing, executive vice president of North America. Before being recruited by SLM Solutions, Mark was chief operating officer at Perceptron Inc., a laser-based, non-contact metrology solutions provider and 3D scanning technology supplier.
Mr. Hoefing will be responsible for the operational goals of SLM Solutions NA, which recently expanded to a new office and tripled both its sales and service staff. During his 13 years at Perceptron, Hoefing gained extensive expertise and increasing responsibilities that spanned sales, marketing, field service, system engineering, project management, product development and manufacturing. Additionally, for nearly 20 years prior to his experience at Perceptron, Mark worked for Rockwell Automation; where he held various sales, marketing and management positions.
“With the addition of Mark Hoefing, we are reaffirming our support of the growing activities in the U.S. market,” comments CEO of SLM Solutions Group AG, Dr. Markus Rechlin. “Along with extending our technology leadership through a focus on research and development, expanding our international sales and service network is a key initiative for the coming years. The amplified presence in North America anticipates an increasing demand for fast, flexible and cost efficient systems that are built for metal part and prototype production.”
Mark Hoefing, executive vice president of North America
Open Positions
SLM Solutions NA has filled the executive vice president position, but we have others open. Currently we are seeking two field service & installation engineers; one for Novi, Michigan and one for the Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina area. If interested, send resumes to info@slm-solutions.us.
Sponsor News – GE
Join GE at the Upcoming AMUG Conference
GE imagines things others don’t, builds things others can’t and delivers outcomes that make the world work better. GE brings together the physical and digital worlds in ways no other company can. In its labs and factories and on the ground with customers, GE is inventing the next industrial era and building things that power the world.
Join us to have machines build your ideas.
GE is using laser-powered 3-D printers, 3-D “inking” and “painting” machines, and other advanced manufacturing tools to make parts and products that were thought impossible to produce and which sometimes verge on art. We see advanced manufacturing as the next chapter in the industrial revolution. Take a look at this video to see more!
http://youtu.be/Gr5ZMxqSCFo
Join us at AMUG!! Members of our recruitment team will be attending the AMUG conference to speak to you directly regarding career opportunities. Take a look at a few of our currently open additive manufacturing roles located at our state-of-the-art additive manufacturing plant in Auburn, AL.
- Additive Fuel Nozzle Process Engineer, Auburn, AL, Bachelor’s degree preferred: http://bit.ly/AFNPE2Auburn
- Additive Fuel Nozzle Process Engineer, Auburn, AL, Bachelor’s degree required and experience with machining processes desired: http://bit.ly/AFNPEAuburn
Interested in speaking with a talent recruitment professional about opportunities? Join us to have GE build your career!
Contact:
Jennifer Mayo, Strategic Technical Recruiter
Jennifer.mayo@ge.com
www.gecareers.com
3D Printer from Optomec Prints Embedded Electronics onto almost Any Substrate
ENGINEERING.com
Unlike systems that we’ve profiled in the past, Optomec’s Aerosol Jet 300 is a beast of a different order. Built to construct electronic and biological designs at the nanoscale, the Aerosol Jet 300 can process metals and “biologics” by depositing materials via an atomized spray onto any viable substrate. At its core, the Aerosol Jet 300 is a departure from traditional rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing machines as it is currently only capable of adding electronic components and circuitry to previously built designs.
More news from ENGINEERING.com:
TCT + Personalize
Holy Cow! It’s the first issue of TCT in 2015
The latest issue of TCT has just gone to print; it should be winging its way to you shortly (if you’ve not subscribed then do so here, it is free). As you’ve come to expect from TCT, this issue is packed full of great content. Here’s a taster selection of what you can expect:
A Clean Sweep: The most unusual and striking cover image of TCT for some time displays a vector image of a dairy cow. The accompanying cover story comes from DSM Somos. Materials from Somos were used in the development of a brand-new device for cleaning the teats of dairy cows.
CES 2015 Reviews: The last TCT contribution to the AMUG newsletter featured a brief report on both the 3D Printing Marketplace and Conference at the world’s largest tradeshow, Dan O’Connor looks at the success of both in greater depth across four pages.
Optimisation Matters: Laura Griffiths speaks to Martin Gambling, managing director of GRM Consulting, about TruForm — the tool created by the UK-based software developer to provide more accurate optimization for manufacturing applications in Solidworks.
TCT Asia Preview: The next contribution to the AMUG newsletter will no doubt come live from the show floor of the inaugural TCT Asia + Personalize in Shanghai. Our first venture to the world’s largest continent hones in on China where, according to Terry Wohlers, more money is being invested into AM than anywhere else on the globe.
Sutrue: Jim Woodcock speaks to product designer Alex Berry about the startup’s use of 3D printing technologies to get their automated medical stitching device off the ground.
Unfolding the Staffordshire Hoard: The Staffordshire Hoard is one of the greatest and most unexpected discoveries unearthed in British History. Daniel O’Connor discovers how the curators of the collection are using digital technologies to preserve, replicate and solve some of the greatest mysteries about Great Britain’s Anglo-Saxon past.
Plus much more… Round-ups of Euromold and the 3DExperience Forum, a look at the advancements 3D printing is allowing to the jewelry industry, a case-study of AM of metals in the aerospace industry and some great columns makes this a particular great issue of TCT Magazine.
