There are not a lot of AM-industry events that start as early as Sunday while lasting until Thursday and that at the same time require flying for half a day (if you are based in Europe). Despite these maybe unfavorable circumstances, we set out for AMUG for the first time after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Why leave Europe? Because of the goal of the AMUG: To connect users and concrete approaches of AM to solutions. In other words, the same goal that our network is pursuing! While our focus is on Europe, AMUG’s is on the United States. The willingness of all participants to inspire and live change is what makes largest AM conference in America so unique.

And there are A LOT of participants: To keep the sheer volume of people from overwhelming you, attendees are purposefully mixed and seated by lottery at lunch alongside other attendees. The guests bring new technologies and materials to the market, expand our network, or strengthen the user perspective in the industry. From AM to PM, the Hilton-Hotel Chicago buzzes with conversations like a beehive. The evening events also contribute to getting to know each other – some evenings have specific themes or, as this year, take place in the specially rented museum for Science and History.

During the day, you can pick out fascinating presentations on the latest technologies, trends, and applications from numerous tracks, or learn something about AMUG’s sponsors.

For our network, Stefanie Brickwede, together with Ole von Seelen from Trinckle, was able to present applications in the railroad sector and associated production aids. This attracted great interest, especially since the railroad sector in the United States is still relatively niche.

What are other trends that we observed abroad?

• Cybersecurity, certainly also driven by the many participants from the American Army,
• New metal technologies aimed towards large volume printing (MELD), for example for the chassis of tanks,
• metal technologies aimed towards more cost-effective manufacturing methods (headmade materials),
• concrete printing is everywhere (presentations and a fantastic workshop with hands-on approach)

A very good general overview was, again, given this year by Stefan Ritt about current trends and tendencies. Directly Observable: India is just increasingly entering the world stage for additive manufacturing!

And the previously announced on social media printed basketball from eos and Wilson made an appearance: If you wondered how the relatively high weight of a basketball was achieved, you could have a look at it on site. The Solution: it was printed with double walls and bounced amazingly well.

We will try to get the most exciting presentations to our Annual Meeting.

Next year we will be there again. We wouldn’t want to miss this exchange!