The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) has announced its keynote speakers ahead of the 2022 edition of its annual conference.
At the event, Kevin Czinger, Founder and CEO of Divergent 3D and Czinger Vehicles, is set to reveal how his firms are working with automotive OEMs to realize 3D printing’s mass-production potential. Ellen Lee, who currently leads Ford’s additive manufacturing research, will also speak at the event, where she plans to discuss the role of advanced tech in reinforcing supply chains and mass part customization.
Both thought leaders are expected to deliver their insights at AMUG’s 2022 conference, which will take place in-person in Chicago, Illinois from April 3-7.
“It will be interesting to hear Kevin’s and Ellen’s ‘similar but different’ perspectives on the present and future of manufacturing in the automotive industry,” said Jordan Weston, AMUG’s Director of Education & Conference. “On one hand, we will have the perspective of a young company seeking to disrupt. On the other hand, we will hear from a large, established company seeking to adapt and lead.”
Shining a light on automotive AM
Having founded two automotive-focused firms of his own, Kevin Czinger is well-placed to provide this year’s AMUG attendees with an understanding of how 3D printing could be applied en-masse across the sector. At Czinger Vehicles, for instance, the start-up is building the ‘21C’ hypercar, a road legal rocketship capable of going from 0-62 mph in under 2 seconds, built with lightweight 3D printed parts.
Effectively, the firm’s manufacturing approach was honed by Czinger’s other business Divergent 3D, which he founded in 2013. Known as the Divergent Adaptive Production System or ‘DAPS,’ the technology is designed to provide users with a ‘multi-objective solution,’ which unlocks newly-optimized designs and custom materials, while enabling automated, fixtureless automotive assembly.
In his speech at the AMUG Conference on April 5, 2022, Czinger is set to focus on DAPS, and how adopting a system-level approach to digital manufacturing, can cause a rethink around vehicle mass-production. The entrepreneur’s firms are also working with the likes of SLM Solutions (where he is an advisory board member) and multiple OEMs to achieve this, in projects he could shed some light on at the event.
Later in the conference, on April 7, 2022, Ellen Lee, Ford’s Technical Leader of Additive Manufacturing Research, will also take to the stage to discuss change in the automotive sector. Specifically, in her ‘Automotive Manufacturing to Additive Manufacturing: From History to the Future of Mobility’ keynote, Lee is set to explain how the histories of mobility and advanced production are intertwined.
Starting with the invention of the moving assembly line, Lee, a Ford Veteran who has spent her entire 23-year professional career at the firm, is set to reflect on the role new technologies such as 3D printing have to play in more modern innovation too, and zero in on their mass customization and supply chain-securing potential.
According to Weston, Czinger and Lee will bring a unique mixture of perspectives to the event that should provide attendees with valuable insights into the current state of play, when it comes to 3D printing’s automotive applications.
“Ellen represents a 118-year-old company that changed the game over a century ago yet continues to innovate in response to shifting demands,” added Weston. “Kevin represents a company that will make its mark by changing the process, altering vehicle architectures and localizing adaptive, sustainable manufacturing.”
AMUG’s 2022 conference
Having been forced to reschedule and relocate its conference due to COVID-19 in 2021, AMUG’s event returns to its regular home in Chicago, Illinois for 2022. The show is often one of the highlights of the 3D printing calendar, with attendees getting the chance to make industry contacts, take advantage of training opportunities and absorb the insights of some of the sector’s leading lights.
Previous editions of the conference have also been used by firms to make high-profile launches. BigRep, for example, unveiled the BigRep PRO 3D printer at AMUG 2019, while Stratasys added the F120 to its F123 Series offering at the same event.
Although there’s no news of any impending launches just yet, this year’s event promises to be similarly packed with chances to gain insights into 3D printing’s hottest topics. AMUG says that the conference’s keynote speeches and presentations will set the tone for its 150 presentations, discussions, workshops, and hands-on training sessions across a yet-to-be-published five-day schedule.
The AMUG Technical Competition is also set to return in 2022, a contest designed to recognize those that push the envelope of additive technologies, whether that be at a conceptual level or in part finishing, as are the DINO Awards and Innovators Showcase, which was led by EOS Founder Dr. Hans Langer at last year’s event.
Those interested in attending AMUG’s 2022 conference can take advantage of a 33% registration discount if they sign up before 7th January, 2022, with the fee covering tickets to the above as well as off-site gatherings, networking receptions and catered meals.
As with prospective attendees, companies wishing to participate as either exhibitors or sponsors can use AMUG’s online registration form to register.
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Featured image shows the keynote speakers for AMUG’s 2022 conference Ellen Lee and Kevin Czinger. Image via AMUG.
