In May, I was honored to open RAPID + TCT, North America’s largest and most influential additive manufacturing event, in front of thousands of in-person attendees and an expanded digital audience. The attendees included top AM experts, many of whom are also members of SME that I represent daily as senior director of membership.
SME members are provided with invaluable connections to industry peers, trusted knowledge and resources, solutions to the industry’s most pressing AM issues, and career-enhancing opportunities. In fact, I’m proud to say our organization has played a pioneering role in shaping the conversation about additive manufacturing and recognizes the importance of introducing the next generation of talent to the vast universe AM has to offer.
One of the programs SME Membership introduced at RAPID + TCT was the Bright Minds College Student Experience, during which hundreds of students participated and discovered everything they need to know about emerging 3D technologies. They viewed high-tech manufacturing demonstrations; participated in an invitation-only presentation with Brian Baughman, chief engineer at Honeywell Aerospace; connected with colleges and universities with robust engineering programs; and explored opportunities with leading global companies hiring in the AM field. Through early engagement with students, SME creates a path to learn, grow, and explore the AM industry’s many opportunities.
During RAPID + TCT, it was clear that women have an important seat—and a growing platform—at the AM table. This was demonstrated with the introduction of SME’s partnership with Women in 3D Printing and keynote presentations from SME President Dianne Chong (SME’s 90th president and 25-year member of the organization), as well as Barbara Humpton, president and CEO of Siemens Corp., who highlighted how AM is helping to localize more production, increase resiliency, and inspire a new generation of industry leaders.
In 2023, we will expand SME Membership’s involvement at RAPID + TCT, bring new AM virtual programming to the industry produced by the SME member-led AM Community, and continue to focus on the growth of diversity within this sector.
This edition of Voices AMplified features Dr. Ellen Lee, an AM expert and SME member. Lee, a chemical engineer by trade, is putting her vast expertise in materials science to use as the technical leader of Ford Motor Co.’s additive research team to help the automaker develop innovative 3D-printing applications. She also is working with other industry leaders to identify and close technical and communications “gaps” to help AM reach its full potential.
The second feature spotlights Velo3D, a participant of the Bright Minds college experience program that provides students with greater access and opportunity within the industry. The team at Velo3D won this year’s Aubin AM Case Study Award for its work with IMI Critical Engineering.
I hope you enjoy their stories!
