APRIL 20238MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTSIN MY OPINIONThis summer President Joe Biden announced the AM Forward initiative to improve domestic manufacturing competitiveness and reduce supply chain disruptions by helping small and medium sized manufacturers adopt additive manufacturing (AM, commonly referred to as 3D printing). Citing 90% reductions possible in lead times and material costs, the initiative looks to create a national training program, fast track standard and certification development, and provide financing for equipment purchases. Major aerospace OEMs have signed on to the program, signaling that they will purchase 3D printed components from their domestic suppliers to drive demand. Working for an additive manufacturing OEM, I applaud and support these efforts. Government focus will improve adoption and competitiveness. Concurrently, I believe that the industry can help push itself forward by focusing on its offerings, ensuring that they are 1) reliable and 2) easy to use. Across brands, machines with these two traits, more than any other factor, will drive adoption of additive manufacturing on factory floors. By Joe Roy-Mayhew, VP, R&D and Materials, MarkforgedRELIABLE AND EASY TO USE: THE ROAD TO BRINGING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING INTO A MILLION FACTORIESJoe Roy-Mayhew
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