Lessons learned from 60 years of additive manufacturing

Key Takeaways

• A panel discussion at AMUG featured experts with 60 years of combined experience in additive manufacturing (AM)
• The panel shared lessons learned from starting and running their own AM businesses
• Experts emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of 3D printing and the need for careful planning and execution
• A range of topics were discussed, including materials, post-processing, and the challenges of scaling a business
• The panelists' experiences and insights can help entrepreneurs and engineers navigate the challenges of starting an AM business

Introduction to Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been gaining popularity in recent years, with many entrepreneurs and engineers considering starting their own AM businesses. However, making the leap and actually starting a business can be notoriously difficult. A panel discussion at the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) conference featured experts with 60 years of combined experience in AM, sharing their lessons learned and insights on how to succeed in the industry.

Meet the AM Business Experts

The panel consisted of four experts:

• Paul DeWys from Forerunner 3D Printing, who originated the panel and has been a regular feature at AMUG since 2023
• Kason Knight from i-SOLIDS, who started in the oil and gas industry and turned to 3D printing as a way to keep projects running with minimal budgets
• Chris Beck from Innovative 3D Manufacturing, who started his business in 2017 as a side hustle and scaled it to 25 powder bed fusion machines producing 15-17 thousand parts per month
• David K. Leigh, an additive entrepreneur with extensive experience in the industry

Comparison of Panelists' Businesses

Lessons Learned

The panelists shared their experiences and insights on how to succeed in the AM industry. They emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of 3D printing and the need for careful planning and execution. DeWys noted that he initially thought 3D printing was simple, but quickly realized that it was more complex than he anticipated. Beck shared his experience of starting his business as a side hustle and scaling it to a large operation.

Bottom Line

Starting an additive manufacturing business can be challenging, but with the right insights and guidance, entrepreneurs and engineers can navigate the complexities of the industry. The panel discussion at AMUG provided valuable lessons learned from experts with 60 years of combined experience in AM. By understanding the challenges and opportunities of the industry, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions and increase their chances of success. With careful planning and execution, it is possible to build a successful AM business and capitalize on the growing demand for 3D printing services.