The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) is not the same conference it was last year, or even a few years ago. This is the conference you want to attend if you want to learn more about operating, using, exploring, specifying, or justifying the purchase of any SLA, LS, extrusion, inkjet or polyjet system. Of the more than 300 attendees this year, the majority, 90% at least, are highly experienced users. They included industry initiators, inventors, application engineers, and presidents of companies. These guys, and a few gals, have seen it all. And the best resource is simple conversation with these fellow users.  They enjoy sharing their understanding. At this conference, you get straight answers about all 3D printers and AM systems, “warts, and all.”

At the recent Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) conference held April 23 through 26, the board  presented 18 Dinosaur Awards. The Dinosaur Award is a special award given in recognition to  industry veterans with exceptional skill that in turn contribute back to the additive manufacturing industry. For users of 3D printing/AM technology, these are the people you want to meet and get to know when you attend the conference.  They are an incredibly helpful resource for you.

The newly named dinosaurs are:

Fused Deposition Modeling
•             Duane Byerly, Xerox
•             Mike Littrell, C.ideas
•             Frank Medina, University of Texas at El Paso

Laser Sintering
•             Paul Bates, Reebok
•             David Bourell, University of Texas
•             Roger Cunningham, Integra
•             Scott Schermer, SC Johnson
•             Thomas Starr, University of Louisville

PolyJet
•             Robert Coleman, Mattel
•             Dan Mishek, Vista Technologies
•             Jason Lopes, Legacy Effects
•             Bradley Ruprecht, U.S. Army
•             Michael Zerbe, Newell Rubbermaid

Stereolithography
•             Bill Braune, Met-L-Flo
•             Larry Monahan, Becton Dickinson
•             Brad Palumbo, Phoenix Analysis & Design Technology
•             Ken Patton, Rapid Tech/Saddleback College
•             Sean Wise, RePliForm

Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG):
www.am-ug.com