Additive manufacturing (AM) is an ever present and growing part of the manufacturing industry. But, as Additive Manufacturing Media Editor-in-Chief Peter Zelinksi points out, “successful additive manufacturing is more than just 3D printing.”
Last week in Austin, Texas, the Additive Manufacturing Conference + Expo covered new technologies, ideas and growth patterns in AM. A concept previously met with much contention is now becoming a major growth pattern in additive manufacturing: production.
In this video from Additive Manufacturing Media Editor-in-Chief Peter Zelinksi and Senior Editor Stephanie Hendrixson cover the extent to which additive manufacturing is closing in on production as well as their impressions from the first full day of the 2019 Additive Manufacturing Conference + Expo.
​Watch the video and read the full transcript

​If you’ve been to Austin, TX, you probably recognize our play on the popular local slogan and you may recognize some of the designs in this message (speaking of, we’d love for you to comment on your favorite of the designs – we're making some cool gear to giveaway to those that comment on their favorite and attend the conference). If you haven’t been to Austin (and if you have) with this post we want to share with you how we’re “keeping additive weird” in Austin, TX during the fifth annual Additive Manufacturing Conference + Expo and explain why the event is an ideal venue for you to build your business. 
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First, weird is probably the wrong word, unique is probably more appropriate. The Additive Manufacturing Conference + Expo is unique in a couple ways. First, we focus on production. You may have read our post “The P Is Silent, but Stands for Printing,” well, P certainly stands for production, too. The content, the attendees, the exhibits, the special events are focused on applying or planning for the implementation of additive manufacturing for scale, end-use part production. As a result, not only is our focus a little weird (err, unique), but that’s also why our event attracts the largest and the fastest-growing companies in industrial additive manufacturing – large OEMs and independent contract manufacturers serving medical, aerospace, electronics, consumer products. Our visitors regularly remark that while we’re not the biggest AM event, we do bring together an audience that you won’t see at the other industry events.
Second, Additive in Austin in August? Sounds weird (err, unique), right. But, once again, we see a ton of value in the timing and the location. There’s definitely something happening in Austin. Along with being the birthplace of SLS, there’s an evolving and tech-forward manufacturing community developing in the area. Several additive manufacturing companies are already present in the area (like EOS and Essentium and Farsoon) and several global manufacturers are increasing their investment in the region (like Arconic and Apple). We believe it’s a great host city for this event and for this industry.
Lastly, we create a learning and networking experience that is a little weird (unique). But, yes, we see a ton of value in the format – we open the event by transporting visitors to hands-on technical tours of EOS and Essentium. Then, host a big, Austin-themed party at nearby Bangers Sausage House and Beer Garden– great food, great beer, great music, great company. The next day is filled with programming that takes place in the same room as the exhibits, so there’s a free exchange of interactions and ideas. The day ends with a Grand Reception sponsored by EOS that will include Texas-style fare and additive industry networking. Finally, we conclude with more programming, more hands-on facility tours and - new this year – we’re going to close with a Women in 3D Printing happy hour.
If you’re in the industrial additive manufacturing business, come get weird with us in Austin at the Additive Manufacturing Conference 2019. It’s a great event with a great program in a great city. Most importantly, it’s all designed to help you by introducing you to the people, the products, the processes that can continue to evolve you and your company’s adoption of additive manufacturing technologies.

​Last year, Site Selection Magazine dubbed Pflugerville, TX, “The 3D City.” If you’re wondering, yes, Pflugerville is as fun to type as it is to say. While the title kind of exposes the lede, yes, the P is silent; and, yes, Pflugerville is very much a 3D Printing city. If you’ve never visited (or said or typed) Pflugerville, here are three reasons why it’s more than worthy of the moniker (and why you should visit Pflugerville - perhaps as part of your visit to this year’s Additive Manufacturing Conference in Austin, TX).
First, Pflugerville is a suburb just North of Austin, TX. Austin is the birthplace of SLS, one of the most tech-forward cities in the US and home to a growing industrial manufacturing base. Second, Pflugerville is home to the US headquarters of leading additive manufacturing supplier EOS and Essentium and global manufacturers like Arconic. Third, as part of the Additive Manufacturing Conference in Austin, TX, this August, we will be bringing attendees to Pflugerville for hands-on, expert-led technical tours of EOS and Essentium.
Pfree Technical Tours!
The Additive Manufacturing Conference program includes technical tours of both EOS and Essentium’s Pflugerville-based headquarters. We emphasize technical because these tours include expert presentations on both metal and polymer additive manufacturing production. In addition to exclusive looks into these facilities’ equipment and production labs, visitors will learn about topics like 3D Printing for Production, Materials Testing and the Business of Additive Manufacturing. The tours are complimentary to Additive Manufacturing Conference registrants. Space is limited. But, if you register now you’ll be guaranteed a spot.
Pfocused on Production!
If you haven’t attended an Additive Manufacturing Conference or are not a current Additive Manufacturing Media subscriber, just a quick note that we focus on covering and exploring applications of 3D printing technology for scale, end-use part production. There’s a link to the full conference agenda below, but you really only need to see the first three presentations delivered by Ford, GE Aviation and Additive Manufacturing Media see the conference focus take shape:
·        Ford: “Additive Manufacturing for Automotive Production End-Use Parts”
·        GE Aviation: “How AM is Changing Aircraft Engines and the Supply Chain”
·        Additive Manufacturing Media: “How Additive Manufacturing Is Changing Production”
If you’re company is currently applying or planning to implement additive manufacturing as a production process, this event is a can’t miss for you and your colleagues.
Pfinally! 
We’re really excited to bring together a unique collection of expert speakers, leading suppliers and immersive special events in Austin, TX for the Additive Manufacturing Conference 2019. We hope you’ll consider joining us August 27-29 at the Austin Convention Center. See you in Austin (and Pflugerville)!