As the doors open to this year’s AMUG Conference in Chicago, the air hums with anticipation. Industry veterans, researchers, and young innovators alike gather to explore the latest advancements, share their insights, and discuss the ever-expanding potential of additive manufacturing (AM). Among them stands Justin Levy, a third-year mechanical engineering student at The Ohio State University and recipient of this year’s Guy E Bourdeau conference scholarship. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the boundless possibilities AM holds for the future.
Levy’s journey into AM began nearly eight years ago, long before he even entered college. “I kind of fell in love with additive,” he shares. Now, at just 21 years old, he finds himself at the heart of an industry undergoing rapid transformation.
Levy’s early interest in engineering came from his background as a maker. Growing up, he spent time tinkering with 3D printers, designing small components, and developing a deep appreciation for hands-on creation. As a high school student, he experimented with various 3D printing techniques, which helped him understand the fundamentals of AM technology. His passion for making quickly transitioned into an academic and professional pursuit when he realized the revolutionary capabilities of AM.
A Hands-On Approach to Learning
While many students read about AM in textbooks, Levy has taken a more hands-on approach. He has actively engaged with AM processes, refining printing techniques, and troubleshooting design challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining moment for the AM industry, and Levy experienced firsthand how AM could be leveraged to address urgent global challenges. As supply chains faltered and traditional manufacturing struggled to meet demand, AM emerged as a crucial solution for rapidly producing essential medical supplies, such as face shields and ventilator components.
During this time, Levy became deeply involved in AM projects aimed at mitigating shortages. He worked on initiatives to optimize the design of protective equipment, ensuring that parts could be printed efficiently and independently from international logistic chains. This period reinforced his belief in AM’s ability to respond to real-world crises and further solidified his commitment to advancing the field.
Levy recalls how the pandemic accelerated innovation, pushing researchers and engineers to rethink production strategies. It demonstrated AM’s potential not only as a niche technology but as a viable large-scale manufacturing solution. He sees this period as a turning point that also highlighted the need for more robust AM standards and regulations, as the industry had to rapidly validate and certify printed components for medical and industrial use.
The Need for Standards and Norms
Consequently, one of the key aspects Levy emphasizes in his discussions is the need for standardized processes and industry norms in AM. As AM continues to expand into mainstream production, the lack of universal standards remains a significant challenge. Variability in printing processes, material properties, and post-processing techniques can create inconsistencies that hinder broader adoption.
Levy believes that establishing rigorous standards will be crucial for AM to be widely accepted across industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. He sees the development of certification frameworks as a necessary step toward ensuring that printed parts meet reliability, safety, and durability requirements.
At the AMUG conference, Levy is particularly interested in engaging with professionals who are working on regulatory frameworks and industry guidelines. By understanding the ongoing efforts to establish norms, he hopes to contribute to the conversation and advocate for the creation of more defined quality assurance measures that can drive AM forward.
Innovation in Support Removal for Metal Printing
Another bigger challenge in metal AM is dealing with support structures that are necessary during the printing process but difficult to remove post-production. Levy has dedicated much of his research to understanding how support removal can be optimized for efficiency and part integrity.
His research explores different support strategies, aiming to minimize material waste while ensuring the mechanical performance of the final product. He has tested various printing orientations, material compositions, and heat treatment techniques to reduce the need for excessive support structures. By refining these methods, Levy is working toward improving cost-effectiveness and production times in metal AM.
The Challenges of Pioneering Innovation
As exciting as AM’s future may be, there are still many obstacles to overcome. Levy acknowledges that while AM is advancing rapidly, its full-scale adoption will require breakthroughs in material science, process optimization, and cost efficiency. While the technology has garnered widespread attention, he understands that practical implementation must be approached with realistic expectations.
Through his involvement in research and peer discussions, Levy has connected with experienced professionals in the industry. By engaging with experts, he is gaining valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AM and the collaborative efforts required to push the technology forward.
The Future is Now
As the conference unfolds, one thing becomes clear: the future of AM is in the hands of those who dare to push boundaries. Levy and his peers represent a new wave of engineers and visionaries who are not only embracing AM but also redefining what’s possible.
From refining printing techniques to investigating new materials, AM continues to evolve, driven by the curiosity and dedication of individuals like Justin Levy. As the next generation of innovators takes the stage, one thing is certain— AM is not just about building objects; it’s about shaping the future.
This year’s conference serves as a testament to the limitless potential of AM and the bright minds that will carry it forward. With passionate individuals like Levy contributing to ongoing advancements, the industry’s next breakthroughs are just around the corner. The AM community thrives on collaboration, and as these bright young innovators join forces with experienced industry leaders, the horizon of what is possible continues to expand. The future isn’t just coming—it’s being printed, layer by layer, by the visionaries of today.
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