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Wohlers Associates, America Makes to Offer Design for AM Course

By Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International Press Release
By America Makes Press Release

FORT COLLINS, Colo., and YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, June 7, 2022—Wohlers Associates and America Makes are partnering to offer a three-day design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) course. The July 18-20, 2022 course will be held at America Makes’ headquarters in Youngstown, Ohio. The course is open to the public, with members of America Makes enjoying discounted pricing.

“AM offers fascinating opportunities for new types of products and businesses,” said Terry Wohlers, head of advisory services and market intelligence at Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International. “Rethinking methods of design, coupled with understanding the true capabilities of AM, presents immeasurable options for organizations of all sizes,” he explained. Wohlers will assist lead instructor and global DfAM expert Olaf Diegel with the three-day course.

“America Makes is excited to host this upcoming Wohlers Associates training in our Youngstown facility,” said Josh Cramer, education and workforce development director at America Makes. “Being able to support best practices from our members is a key component of our overall education and workforce development strategy,” notes Cramer. “We are dedicated to a 'K through Grey' mission, ensuring we are driving in career pathways for all learners, including those who are reskilling or upskilling in our industry. America Makes has a rich library of programs and content, but it is even richer when collaborating with member programs and offerings."

Course presentations, discussions, and hands-on exercises cover the economics of AM, reducing the need for expensive support material, and consolidating many parts into one. The course covers topology optimization, which is letting mathematics decide where to place material to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio. The course also covers lattice/mesh structures, DfAM rules and guidelines, and the modeling and simulation of distortion caused by heat. The course includes considerations for metal, polymer, composite materials, and the creation of custom products.

According to Wohlers Report 2022, the largest application of AM is the production of end-use parts, as shown in the following chart. Producing final parts is arguably the most interesting application of AM with the greatest long-term potential. Production applications almost always require DfAM. Designers and managers considering the adoption of AM for series and custom production will gain an advantage over others if they attend this course.

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