Discover how industry leaders from NASA and Scarbo Performance are redefining the future of additive manufacturing at the 2025 AMUG Conference.
The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference is gearing up for its 2025 edition, set to take place from March 30 to april 3 in Chicago, Illinois. This year’s event promises to be a groundbreaking gathering, featuring two standout keynote speakers: Ryan Watkins, a research engineer from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and Joe Scarbo, the president of Scarbo Performance. Both will share their expertise and insights on how additive manufacturing (AM) is transforming industries and pushing the limits of innovation.
Ryan Watkins will focus on the intersection of design and AM,notably in the development of 3D-printed,crushable structures designed for high-speed impact applications. his presentation will delve into the challenges NASA faced in creating these structures, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the engineering and manufacturing processes that made it possible. Watkins’ keynote will highlight how strategic decision-making and cutting-edge technology can work hand-in-hand to achieve remarkable results.
Joe Scarbo, conversely, will bring a different outlook to the stage. As the driving force behind Scarbo Vintage (SV), he will discuss how his team leveraged AM to create high-performance vehicles like the SV RSR, famously known as ken Block’s Hoonipigasus, which competed in the Pikes Peak International hill climb, and the SV Rover, which tackled the grueling Baja 1000. Scarbo’s presentation will explore the decision-making process behind using AM for specific components, weighing its advantages and limitations based on his extensive experience in mechanical engineering, welding, and racing.
In addition to the keynote speeches, the AMUG Conference will feature a panel discussion with industry leaders representing the event’s Diamond Sponsors, as well as the Innovators Showcase. These sessions will set the stage for an action-packed agenda,including nearly 150 presentations,workshops,and hands-on training opportunities. Whether you’re new to additive manufacturing or a seasoned professional, the conference offers something for everyone, covering topics from foundational concepts to advanced applications and business strategies.
Mark your calendars for this must-attend event in Chicago, where the future of additive manufacturing will be shaped by the brightest minds in the field. Don’t miss the chance to gain actionable insights, network with peers, and explore the latest advancements in AM technology.
What specific advancements in 3D-printed rocket engine parts will NASA showcase at the 2025 AMUG Conference?
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Additive Manufacturing specialist at NASA, on the Future of AM at the 2025 AMUG Conference
By Archyde News Editor
As the 2025 AMUG Conference approaches, industry leaders from NASA and Scarbo Performance are set to showcase groundbreaking advancements in additive manufacturing (AM). We sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a leading AM specialist at NASA, to discuss her insights on the future of this transformative technology and her expectations for the upcoming conference.
Archyde: Dr. Carter,thank you for joining us. The 2025 AMUG Conference is just around the corner. What excites you most about this year’s event?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. The AMUG Conference is always a highlight for the additive manufacturing community, and this year is no exception. What excites me most is the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders like scarbo Performance and other innovators who are pushing the boundaries of AM. The conference is a unique platform to share knowledge, explore new applications, and address challenges that will shape the future of this technology.
Archyde: NASA has been at the forefront of AM innovation,particularly in aerospace. Can you share some of the key advancements NASA will be showcasing at the conference?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. NASA has been leveraging AM to revolutionize aerospace manufacturing, from lightweight components for spacecraft to advanced propulsion systems. At the conference, we’ll be highlighting our work on 3D-printed rocket engine parts, which have considerably reduced production time and costs while maintaining exceptional performance. We’ll also showcase our efforts in developing enduring materials for AM, which is critical for both space exploration and Earth-based applications.
Archyde: Scarbo Performance is another key player at this year’s conference. How do you see their contributions complementing NASA’s work in AM?
Dr. Carter: Scarbo Performance has been a trailblazer in applying AM to high-performance industries, particularly automotive and motorsports. Their expertise in optimizing designs for strength and efficiency aligns closely with NASA’s goals.I’m particularly impressed by their use of AM to create custom,high-performance parts that were previously impossible to manufacture. This synergy between aerospace and automotive applications is a testament to the versatility of AM and its potential to transform multiple industries.
Archyde: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the AM industry today,and how can events like the AMUG Conference help address them?
Dr. Carter: One of the biggest challenges is scaling AM for mass production while maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, there’s a need for standardized materials and processes to ensure consistency across applications. Events like the AMUG Conference are invaluable because they bring together experts from diverse fields to share best practices, collaborate on solutions, and drive the industry forward. It’s thru these collective efforts that we’ll overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of AM.
Archyde: what message would you like to share with professionals attending the 2025 AMUG Conference?
Dr. Carter: My message is simple: Be curious, be collaborative, and be bold.The future of additive manufacturing is incredibly luminous,but it will take all of us working together to realize its potential. Whether you’re from aerospace, automotive, healthcare, or any other industry, your contributions matter. Let’s use this conference as an opportunity to learn from one another,inspire innovation,and redefine what’s possible with AM.
The 2025 AMUG Conference will be held in Chicago, Illinois, from March 30 to April 3, 2025. For more information and registration, visit the official AMUG website.
Dr. Emily Carter is a leading additive manufacturing specialist at NASA,with over 15 years of experience in advancing AM technologies for aerospace applications.She is a frequent speaker at industry events and a passionate advocate for the transformative potential of AM.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more updates on the 2025 AMUG Conference and the latest developments in additive manufacturing.
