This edition of Voices AMplified features two leaders who leverage their experience, insights, and talents to improve the way we, as a community, get the best out of additive manufacturing (AM).
The first article explores how a harmonized workflow can link software and equipment needed to 3D print components. Bryan Crutchfield, vice president and general manager of Materialise North America, shares how he and his team worked during the pandemic to solve a problem faced by many software developers-limited interoperability due to the proliferation of numerous, standalone products. And it’s clear that his mission is to move the industry forward. As part of the feature, Crutchfield, who served as a volunteer advisor on SME’s AMTC for six years, shares that the Materialise team is not out to dominate the 3D-printing realm. It’s the opposite. Because closed systems are a path to stagnation, manufacturing workflows must “be digital in nature, and also automated as much as possible.” And that requires giving customers the choice to use world-class technology through an open software platform.
The second feature profiles the esteemed career of Sheku Kamara, Dean of Applied Research at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), who was recently re-appointed as a volunteer advisor to SME’s AMTC. Kamara came to the U.S. in 1996 from Sierra Leone. As we look back on his journey of learning, he shares that his greatest joy has been in teaching others about what is possible through AM. To that end, Kamara and his MSOE colleagues worked with industry leaders to create the Additive Manufacturing Body of Knowledge (AMBOK), as well as a wealth of training materials to serve as a technology road map for manufacturers. In the article, Kamara also shares his view on the limitless problem-solving powers of technology, and how important it is to help others. A few years ago, he and his friends organized a dialysis clinic in his homeland, which helped community members get the critical care they needed without having to travel or relocate to other countries. Kamara not only talks the talk, but he walks the walk.
As Chair of SME’s AMTC, I recently met in person at IMTS with our committee to plan the next 12 month, and it is going to be exciting. We brought on five fantastic people who are all experts in their area making the AMTC a well-rounded, diverse team. Our promise to the AM community is to do what we can to lift up and promote the industry through the Industry Achievement Award, our Career Forum series, the Dick Aubin Case Study Award, and assisting SME with its forward momentum in AM. We have several new ideas in the works. It’s going to be a great year at the AMTC!