The Biden administration on May 6 launched an additive manufacturing (AM) initiative called AM Forward as part of its efforts to improve U.S. manufacturers’ competitiveness, create manufacturing jobs and strengthen supply chains.
AM Forward is a “voluntary compact” among initial participants GE Aviation, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Siemens Energy, according to a White House statement. These large manufacturers will support their small and mid-sized U.S.-based suppliers as they adopt AM capabilities. That support involves a public commitment to purchase 3D printed parts; provide suppliers with technical assistance and training; and engage in common standards development and certification for products made via AM.
The administration has identified a range of federal programs that manufacturers can turn to for support in adopting AM, including ones that provide equipment financing, worker training and technical support. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce will facilitate the development of 3D printing standards via the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The compact advances key goals of the Biden administration, including “overcoming coordination challenges that limit adoption of new technologies” and “inventing and making more in America, through investments in regional manufacturing ecosystems,” the statement said.
The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute welcomed the announcement on Twitter. “Honored that we will be playing a role to develop #standards and #workforce programs in the just announced @WhiteHouse #AMForward initiative. This will go a long way to support #additivemanufacturing adoption throughout the US #supplychain.”
Several 3D printer manufacturers also reacted with enthusiasm.
In a statement released Monday, Ric Fulop, co-founder and CEO of Desktop Metal, said the time is right for the AM Forward initiative.
“Additive manufacturing has long held the potential to de-risk supply chains and enable new innovations. With manufacturing reshoring already accelerating as a result of the historic supply chain disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the AM Forward initiative is a timely and progressive approach to modernizing our nation’s outdated manufacturing infrastructure with cutting-edge technologies that will help ensure that the work stays here for the long term,” he said.
“...By allowing manufacturers to quickly produce parts when and where needed, the need for global shipping, large inventories and overproduction is greatly reduced. Additive manufacturing is the modern manufacturing technology of the future, and it’s the right time for American industry to support this transition to the next era of production,” Fulop said.
Stratasys stated on Twitter: “Today, @POTUS launches an initiative to strengthen American #supplychains through #additivemanufacturing. Digital #3Dprinting is cost-effective and often more sustainable and efficient than traditional manufacturing. We're ready. #AMForward”
On Monday, Stratasys CEO Yoav Zeif said on Twitter, “Manufacturing costs are rising and supply chains have been disrupted. But #additivemanufacturing can be ‘on-demand’ wherever you need it, whenever you need it,” and cited the company’s work with the U.S. military as an example.
“The AM Forward program means SMB manufacturers will get special financing, technical assistance and support from both the federal government and AM Forward members like @LockheedMartin and @RaytheonTech so they can invest in industrial 3D printing too,” Zeif continued. “The technologies, materials, and software exist to go bigger and we’re ready.”
“No doubt that the time for Additive Manufacturing has arrived. #AMForward is an initiative that will not only help solve supply chain challenges but also bring attention to how our industry is primed to deliver broader manufacturing solutions!” Carbon said on Twitter.
In a subsequent statement, Carbon CEO Ellen Kullman said, “The AM Forward program is further validation of the urgent need to rebuild agile manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. We’re at an undeniable inflection point — bringing digital manufacturing to U.S. businesses will be a critical component to the success of the American economy both now and into the future.
“Carbon has proven how additive manufacturing can help companies like Ford, adidas and Becton Dickinson innovate and bring products to market quickly and efficiently. The administration’s acknowledgment of 3D printing to boost the economy is a solid step forward and a proof point that digital manufacturing is critical in addressing our ongoing supply chain challenges and beyond.”
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