Additive Manufacturing for Government

Additive manufacturing (AM) — referred to as “three-dimensional” or “3D” printing—is a potential game changer with important implications to the DoD and federal government. The technology allows the “art to part” fabrication of complex objects from a computer model without part-specific tooling or human intervention. Because of its ability to produce a wide variety of objects, AM also can have significant national security and health care implications.

The US government is taking AM seriously and the numbers show this. There are enormous potential benefits to the defense, health and government areas. Specifically, 3D printing provides the chance to build spare parts on demand, maintenance and repair, metal implants and prosthetics. Production times and costs are reduced, lightweight structures can be built and physical inventories can be replaced with digital inventories.  With President Obama's recent creation of the National Network of Manufacturing Innovation - which includes $1 billion in funding for FY 2014 - the time is now to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Additive Manufacturing in a government and defense context. 

20 Free VIP Passes available to military and government personnel. First come, first served. Email Dina Aly at DinaAly@idga.org for details.

What are the Top Three Benefits of Attending?

• Best chance to understand where the government and Armed Forces are right now in terms of AM requirements
• Small crowd great for networking and gaining insight
• Timing: happening just as new government manufacturing innovation centers are being built

What Topics will be Covered?

• The current state of advanced manufacturing 
• Development of new Materials for AM
• The latest developments in 3D and 4D Printing
• Design software
• DoD implications and uses for AM