US National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute and TCT Group partner America Makes has commemorated its seventh anniversary by pledging its commitment to driving 3D printing forward.
America Makes has executed 88 additive manufacturing research projects, worked with the American National Standards Institute on the development of a standardisation roadmap for the technology, and has grown to comprise 225 member organisations and boast three Satellite Centers. The institute also continues to work with the Youngstown Business Incubator and Youngstown State University to help revitalise the local area’s identity, from one struggling after the collapse of the steel industry to one thriving in the age of advanced manufacturing.
Moving forward, America Makes wants to make sure the development of 3D printing technology continues and the application of the technology grows.
“This is a really exciting time for the Institute as we have a great deal of learnings and achievements from the last seven years,” commented America Makes Executive Director John Wilczynski . “We are acutely aware of the needs of our industry from commercial and defence sectors. We are grateful for all of the support from the DoD, Air Force Research Laboratory, and other government stakeholders. As the pilot Institute, we have proved that the public-private collaborative model is effective and important to the ongoing economic success of U.S. manufacturing industry. We transitioned from the initial start-up phase and then onto an incredibly driven project execution phase to where we are today, promoting and leading innovation.
“Presently, we are at a point where we can further leverage our role as a convener, coordinator, and catalyser. We will continue to execute research and development projects, spur the transition of more technology commercialisation, and champion education and workforce development initiatives while ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the Institute. As we move forward, we will also work to further develop regional ecosystems around our Satellite Center model and become the recognised voice of our industry.”
