AM Community Shows Off at RAPID + TCT

Alleviating these fears will take time. Keselowski repeated a well-known adage, “Science progresses one funeral at a time,” noting that—though morbid—it applies just as well to AM as it does other technological advancements.

Suzy Marzano Senior Manager Industry Development and Technical Activities

Suzy Marzano Senior Manager Industry Development and Technical Activities SME

It’s official. Additive Manufacturing is thriving and continues to gain momentum with successes across diverse applications. In addition to ongoing technology advances, AM’s growth is fueled by a host of engaged companies, organizations, and dedicated professionals, all of whom are energized and passionate about developing, implementing—and sharing—new ideas and best practices throughout a collaborative community of innovators.

He explained that “nobody wants to be the person who replaces an existing part that works and was made using conventional techniques with a 3D-printed part that fails,” which is why KAM has established significantly higher criteria and proof testing than that applied to existing manufacturing solutions. It has also invested significant time, effort, and capital into meeting its self-imposed criteria.

It’s official. Additive Manufacturing is thriving and continues to gain momentum with successes across diverse applications. In addition to ongoing technology advances, AM’s growth is fueled by a host of engaged companies, organizations, and dedicated professionals, all of whom are energized and passionate about developing, implementing—and sharing—new ideas and best practices throughout a collaborative community of innovators.

Ironically, many of the more accepting customers are those in the racing industry, followed closely by aerospace and defense. Among these aficionados, it seems to be the Millennials and Gen-Z working in these sectors who are the most knowledgeable and AM-friendly.

Still active in NASCAR, Keselowski continues to chase the checkered flag. He admitted that the 2022 season was “not so great,” but said he’s made several adjustments to his team recently and is “reloading for 2023 in a very positive way,” looking forward to hitting the track in February. In the meantime, there’s another type of victory to pursue—that of Keselowski’s nonprofit organization.

3D-printing services. At RAPID + TCT, she moderated a panel discussion on 3D printing for point-of-care medical applications. The panel was one of several during a special town hall hosted by the Medical AM Advisory Team.

The recent RAPID + TCT conference, which was held May 17–19 in Detroit, is proof positive as to how far AM has come in recent years. The 31st edition of the industry’s marquee event featured more than 400 exhibitors, hundreds of

The recent RAPID + TCT conference, which was held May 17–19 in Detroit, is proof positive as to how far AM has come in recent years. The 31st edition of the industry’s marquee event featured more than 400 exhibitors, hundreds of speakers and expert panelists, dozens of technical sessions, networking opportunities, and attendees from 38 countries.

The AM community took center stage throughout the show. This includes the passing of the baton in two key leadership positions. John Barnes assumed the chair of the Additive Manufacturing Technical Community Leadership Committee, succeeding Christopher Williams; and Sarah Rimini now chairs the Medical AM Advisory Committee, succeeding Amy Alexander. I’d like to thank Christopher and Amy, who provided exemplary leadership and vision during their tenures, and welcome their replacements.

John, who heads The Barnes Global Advisors and Metal Powder Works, has been involved in metal additive manufacturing throughout a distinguished career. He’s led teams that qualified the aerospace industry’s first series production metal AM parts, and developed a pilot metal production facility.

Powder Works, has been involved in metal additive manufac turing throughout a distinguished career. He’s led teams that qualified the aerospace industry’s first series production metal AM parts, and developed a pilot metal production facility.

Other highlights included the winners of the 2022 SME Additive Manufacturing Community Awards: Slade Gardner, founder of Big Metal Additive (Industry Achievement); VELO3D and IMI Critical Engineering (Aubin AM Case Study); and Virginia Tech students Daniel Chirvasuta, Nathanael High, Matthew Martin, Benjamin Nguyen, Omkar Shinde, and Nicolas Tomanelli (Digital Manufacturing Challenge).

The Checkered Flag Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that he founded in 2010. Its mission is to give back to service members, retired military, and first responders who’ve fallen on hard times. The nonprofit has raised more than $5 million since its inception and is engaged with numerous campaigns, among them the construction of the Fisher House, sponsoring retreat camps, and providing training for service dogs that help veterans cope with PTSD.

Other highlights included the winners of the 2022 SME Additive Manufacturing Community Awards: Slade Gardner, founder of Big Metal Additive (Industry Achievement); VELO3D and IMI Critical Engineering (Aubin AM Case Study); and Virginia Tech students Daniel Chirvasuta, Nathanael High, Matthew Martin, Benjamin Nguyen, Omkar Shinde, and Nicolas Tomanelli (Digital Manufacturing Challenge).

To help foster the next generation of innovators, the SME Education Foundation’s Bright Minds Program welcomed nearly 1,000 middle and high school students to RAPID + TCT. There also was a special networking lunch for young professionals and a Career Forum Panel. The initiative is led by Ellen Lee and Jennifer Coyne, who are both advisors on the Additive Manufacturing Technical Community Leadership Committee.

Said Keselowski, “We’re super pleased with all that the Checkered Flag Foundation has done and look forward to the continued support of those who’ve given so much to our country.”

As for his ITAR-registered and AS9100certified manufacturing company, it’s edging ever closer to pole position. “We’re actively pursuing commercial space launch and defense applications in general but are open to making other types of mission-critical parts, including those used in the power generation and maritime industries.”

SME Media also interviewed dozens of AM leaders during RAPID + TCT as part of its Voices AMplified initiative that showcases the people behind the technology. This month’s Voices AMplified report profiles two such visionaries: Olga Ivanova and Carl Dekker. Known as “Dr. O,” Olga has worked on innovative projects for the medical and defense industries, and is a tireless crusader for advancing AM.

As senior manager of Ricoh’s Healthcare Center of Excellence, Sarah is developing a curriculum for the company’s Learning Institute that focuses on medical managed

“It’s a mixed bag, but generally speaking, we see that additive is more accepted in small- to medium-sized companies, especially when younger engineers are part of the corporate culture,” he said. “I’m not suggesting they take chances, but rather that many in the newer generation grew up with 3D printing and have a more open mind. They’re not afraid to fail forward. Regardless of a customer’s age or experience level, however, our value proposition is focused on de-risking the

Despite intense secrecy, Keselowski’s competitive nature races to the forefront. “We’re working with some really great companies right now, even though I’m not allowed to disclose their names,” he laughed. “Still, if you see something launching into space, there’s a good chance that KAM was a part of it and we’re very proud of that. We’re also very proud of our ability to make things that are not only difficult to make, but have never been made before and are probably, in some way, shape, or form, changing the world for the better. To me, that’s what’s most important.” superpowers, the 3D-printed Baby Yodas (at left) and Groots (right) that Olga Ivanova gave to visiting high school students are unable to do so much as dissipate electrical charge--but they’re still very popular with the kids.

Carl puts the emphasis on people. He leads a talented team at Met-L-Flo, which produces a wide range of 3D-printed products. He also chairs the Direct Digital Manufacturing Advisory Team and moderated a panel at RAPID + TCT.

Carl and Olga represent the spirit behind Voices AMplified. I hope you enjoy their stories.