News

As 2022 comes to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight and reflect on our many initiatives and successes, and noteworthy accolades and partnerships. 2022 was a year of celebration for America Makes, our membership, and our team. It is a testament to how far we have come and paves the way for the next decade of innovation. We commemorated our 10th anniversary of operation this year and proudly celebrated our evolution and growth with our members, government stakeholders, and friends of the Institute. Today, America Makes is recognized as a hub for advanced manufacturing and serves as a catalyst for highly impactful projects.

We have compiled the top stories and impactful initiatives of America Makes, its membership, and the larger ecosystem. Read our Notable Highlights below.

We appreciate your continued support and engagement, and we look forward to sharing many more successes in 2023!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!
John Wilczynski, Executive Director

Celebrated 10 Years as an Institute
2022 was a pinnacle year for America Makes as we recognized our 10th anniversary. In August, we welcomed members, government officials, and dignitaries to our Youngstown facility to help us celebrate this milestone. As we reflected on the past decade, our growth, and our many successes, we remain excited and optimistic for the future of America Makes. Video: Our next 10 years and beyond

Biden Administration Launched AM Forward
In May, The White House launched its AM Forward initiative to will help lower costs by improving the competitiveness of America’s small-and-medium-sized manufacturers, creating and sustaining high-paying manufacturing jobs, and improving supply chain resilience through the adoption of AM. The Administration’s actions are focused on helping to overcome common challenges that have slowed the deployment of AM technologies, particularly among smaller manufacturers. At America Makes, we couldn’t agree more! Read more

Hosted Our Largest MMX Event
To help keep the momentum going, America Makes hosted its largest Members Meeting and Exchange (MMX) in August at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, OH. This event, which was planned to immediately follow on the heels of our 10-year celebration, realized record-breaking attendance. The meeting featured presentations by nationally recognized industry experts including representatives from The White House, Air Force, and Department of Defense. This year we welcomed over 1,900 attendees at America Makes-hosted events such as MMX and the Technical Review and eXchange (TRX). These events offer networking opportunities and high-level conversations on the future of additive manufacturing (AM) as well as a deeper look into the America Makes projects portfolio. Read more

Welcomed New Class of Ambassadors
As the AM industry continued to expand its reach in 2022, America Makes announced its newest Class of Ambassadors at the MMX event. The Ambassador Program recognizes individuals who continually demonstrate outstanding dedication to advancing America Makes and its mission. Also during MMX, the Institute presented its Distinguished Collaborator Award. Read more

Continued to Grow Our Membership
In the past 10 years, our membership community has evolved from 65 founding organizations to nearly 240. As our membership continues to grow, so does our reach – now spanning over 40 states and representing the leading AM industries. We have members across government, education, and industry. Our goal is to diversify membership to the point that it accurately represents the AM ecosystem. Read more

AMNOW Suppliers Featured in Success Stories
The AMNOW program was launched in 2019 with a mission to establish and demonstrate a robust capable digital manufacturing supply chain to support Army readiness. The first phase of this ambitious program wrapped in 2022. In November, several suppliers were showcased and explained how they benefit from participation in the program. Read more

Partnered with Membership on 77 Active Projects
America Makes is on an upward trajectory. In 2022, we generated 77 active projects addressing technology, education and workforce development, and ecosystem needs – adding to our overall total of 251 completed projects since the Institute’s inception. In addition, we deployed $43M to our membership across eight open project calls this year. We continue to push – and ultimately accelerate, what is possible for AM. Read more

New Executive Committee Elected
The America Makes Executive Committee was formed to help lead the Institute’s transition into the next phase of the program. Serving as the core strategic advisory committee, this group ensures that the appropriate strategy, policy, and advocacy are in place for America Makes to achieve its mission. Read more

Continued Partnership with ANSI to Update Standardization Roadmap
America Makes and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) announced their collaboration to develop version 3 of its Standardization Roadmap for Additive Manufacturing The roadmap revision process considers the previously identified gaps and priorities, including progress by Standards Developing Organizations (SDO) and others to address the recommendations. It also identifies potentially overlooked issues. Read more

20+ Printers Donated by Ultimaker
Ultimaker donated more than 20 of its 3D printers through its newly created partnership with America Makes. The printers will be used in middle and high schools, as well as community organizations and non-profits across the country. Ultimaker and America Makes share in the goal to grow awareness, inspire, and offer entrepreneurship opportunities for 3D printing technology among young women, diverse groups, and communities through educational outreach. Read more