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Awards

AM Industry Achievement Award

Frequently Asked Questions

The AM Industry Achievement Award, established in 2008 by SME's Additive Manufacturing Community, was developed to recognize an individual or team for outstanding accomplishments that have had significant impact within the additive manufacturing industry or in any industry through the application of additive manufacturing technologies. As the name suggests, the award recognizes achievements that have been implemented or deployed in a commercial/industrial environment rather than research investigative work. Winners are selected with consideration for the scope and scale of benefits realized and the potential future impact their work will have on the industry.

2025 Winner

John E. Barnes is being recognized by SME’s Additive Manufacturing Technical Community as the 2025 AM Industry Achievement Award Winner. With over 25 years of service, Barnes has advanced industrial additive manufacturing through technical leadership, standards development, and executive guidance. As founder of The Barnes Global Advisors, he leads a team of renowned experts serving top-tier clients. He also launched Metal Powder Works to deliver high-quality, cost-effective feedstock materials. A respected speaker and mentor, Barnes contributes to workforce development, advises leading universities, and supports key industry standards efforts. Passionate about inspiring future engineers, he actively mentors students, supports K–12 outreach, and promotes diversity in STEM.