The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has announced that it will take over the organization and assets of Women in 3D Printing (Wi3DP). Founded in 2014, the initiative aims to promote, connect and raise the profile of women in additive manufacturing. With over 13,000 members in around 100 local groups worldwide, Wi3DP is one of the most active networks in the 3D printing sector.
The integration into ASME gives Wi3DP access to an established infrastructure that will enable long-term growth and professional support. Founder Nora Touré emphasized that the merger had become necessary in order to continue and expand the network’s mission. For ASME, the move is part of a broader strategy to specifically strengthen diversity and inclusion in engineering.
Figures from recent studies by Wi3DP and the Diversity for Additive Manufacturing Report show the need to catch up. Only around 13% of employees in the AM sector are women, and around 11% of companies are owned by women. In comparison, the proportion of women in technical professions in the USA is around 16 to 17 percent, according to statistical authorities.
Stephanie Viola, Managing Director of the ASME Foundation, sees the partnership as an opportunity to counteract the shortage of skilled workers and at the same time increase innovation potential through more diverse teams. The aim is to create a more inclusive environment that will open up new solutions to global challenges in the long term.
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