3D printing’s largest user-focused exhibition is now underway in Chicago, Illinois.
Organized by the Additive Manufacturing Users’ Group, the AMUG conference is now a fixture on the calendars of both industrial manufacturers and 3D printing fans everywhere. Each year, the expo attracts the best and brightest from across the 3D printing industry, so they can network, share best practices, and overcome common manufacturing challenges.
Though not set up for product launches like a traditional trade show, AMUG also attracts some of the industry’s leading manufacturers. This year’s exhibitor lineup includes a wide range of industry names from 3D printer manufacturer Anisoprint to design software developer Oqton.
Let’s take a look at some of the latest goings on at one of 3D printing’s best-loved events.
Keynotes focus on aerospace & automotive
Every year, AMUG is headlined by a couple of high-profile keynote speakers and this year is no different. On behalf of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, research engineer Ryan Watkins is speaking about 3D printing’s potential for developing ‘crashable structures.’
Having previously used the technology to make parts of the Perseverance rover’s ‘MOXIE’ system, and brackets for the recent Europa launch, NASA JPL is well-accustomed to 3D printing innovation. As well as providing anecdotes on the lab’s 3D printing journey, Watkins is explaining how NASA has turned to additive manufacturing for high-speed impact attenuation.
“The key question moving forward is whether the technology can evolve to make its value proposition even clearer,” Watkins told 3D Natives ahead of the event.
“For instance, it’s not uncommon for complex parts to be cheaper to produce with 5-axis machining than with AM,” he added. “If AM can close that gap while continuing to improve scale and resolution, manufacturing could look very different 20 years from now, especially in low-production industries like aerospace.”
Joe Scarbo, CEO & founder of automotive firm Scarbo Vintage (SV), is also taking to the stage to explore his company’s latest additive manufacturing use cases. Its SV RSR and SV Rover vehicles both include multiple 3D printed parts. Scarbo is talking attendees through when the technology is perfect for SV’s manufacturing needs and when they look elsewhere.
On the showfloor and beyond
Unlike many other tech expos, AMUG is not all about the showfloor. Once again, this year’s event boasts a packed out schedule of breakout sessions covering the hottest topics.
Stratasys’ Lior Zonder, for example, is planning to talk about the need for tough outdoor 3D printing materials. Senvol’s Annie Wang, on the other hand, will be getting on-stage with a representative of the US Navy to discuss how vibration affects 3D printed parts.
AMUG is also famed for its annual prizes – and we already know who the winner of the Innovators Award will be – 3D Ventures principal Joe Allison. Over the last 34 years, Allison has worked for some of the industry’s biggest players and been responsible for many of their technological innovations, making him a worthy winner of AMUG’s esteemed award.
Keen 3D printing fans will have to wait a little longer, however, to learn who won this year’s AMUG Dino Awards, which celebrates the expertise and commitment of industry pros. Though they shouldn’t have to wait too much longer – it’s traditionally announced during the event.
Stay tuned for more from the industry’s biggest trade shows! AMUG 2025 is running from March 30 – April 3, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. You can find out more about this exclusive event here.
