America Makes

Register for America Makes' July 15 TRX Webinar, "Ultrasonic Welding of Polymer Composite Tape to 3D Printed Structures for Reinforcement Applications," featuring Jim Stratton, President & CEO of Agile Ultrasonics.

Why attend:
• Learn how multi-axial thermoplastic laminates can be ultrasonically welded to large-format 3D printed parts for exoskeletal strengthening and lightweighting.
• Explore real results: Agile’s approach has doubled the bend strength over baseline in 3D printed stiffener parts.
• Get inspired by new possibilities for high-performance LFAM structures.

Discover how continuous ultrasonic welding of composite materials is unlocking lighter, stronger, and more complex large-format 3D printed designs. Save your spot today, https://bit.ly/3RQunN9

Congratulations to Michelle Schmader, Senior Communications Coordinator for America Makes and NCDMM, on graduating from the Leadership Mahoning Valley Class of 2026! 🎉

Over the past year, Michelle has strengthened her servant‑leadership mindset, built meaningful community connections, and explored new ways to help move the Mahoning Valley forward. She invested her time and passion into learning more about the community we call home and how the class can help make it a place where young people choose to live, work, and thrive.

We’re incredibly proud of her accomplishments and grateful for the impact she continues to make across the Valley. Congratulations to Michelle and the entire 2026 class! And a special shout‑out to colleague and graduate Jason Thomas for celebrating with her. 🎓✨

Big news for Disney and additive manufacturing (AM) fans alike. As Disney reimagines Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with a new Muppets theme, Walt Disney Imagineering revealed that Scooter’s new Audio‑Animatronics figure features a 3D‑printed shell, highlighting how AM is becoming a key part of Disney’s design pipeline. Beyond character figures, Disney is increasingly using 3D printing for complex geometries, rapid iteration, and large‑scale elements like the Jungle Cruise’s 3D‑printed outrigger canoe. These technologies are helping Imagineers accelerate prototyping, refine intricate character details, and bring highly customized components to life faster than traditional methods allow. Disney’s growing reliance on advanced AM is shaping the future of how attractions are designed, built, and refreshed across its parks worldwide.

Read more from 3DPrint.com, https://3dprint.com/326395/disney-gives-muppet-favorite-scooter-a-3d-printed-comeback-on-rock-n-roller-coaster/

Disney Gives Muppet Favorite Scooter a 3D Printed Comeback on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster - 3DPrint.com | Additive Manufacturing Business For many Disney fans, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith was a rite of passage. The attraction opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1999 and quickly became one of the...

On this , we're thrilled to introduce a few of our new Silver !

The Riverside Community College District is actively engaging in additive manufacturing (AM) through partnerships, facility access, and workforce development initiatives that align with national defense and advanced manufacturing goals. Learn more, https://www.rccd.edu/

Waymaker Marine is pioneering large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) to revolutionize small and medium marine vessel production, focusing on operator-first design, advanced materials, and rapid adaptability. Learn more, https://waymakermarine.com/

Xometry supports multiple AM processes, including Binder Jetting, Filament Deposition, Laser Sintering, Stereolithography, and more. They work with plastics, metals, ceramics, composites, and food-based materials. Learn more, https://xometry.com

Radian Forge is a production-focused advanced manufacturing company specializing in large-scale Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) for mission-critical defense and maritime components. We enable rapid production of high-integrity metal parts—reducing lead times, eliminating tooling constraints, and strengthening domestic manufacturing resilience for the U.S. industrial base. Learn more, https://www.radianforge.com/

Check out our diverse member community, https://bit.ly/4axSkMG

America Makes is August 4-5 in Youngstown, OH. We’re excited to feature Theodore Gronda, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Sustainment Group, who will explore new insight into how a modernized Right to Repair strategy can strengthen defense capabilities.

A balanced Right to Repair framework could unlock new opportunities for additive manufacturing across the defense industrial base. By enabling qualified manufacturers to support sustainment and modernization of legacy systems, the Department of War can improve readiness, reduce supply chain risk, and increase production agility. The key is pairing expanded repair authority with a licensing model that protects intellectual property while ensuring the capacity needed to support the warfighter.

Join the additive manufacturing community for two days of strategic insights, thought‑provoking content, panel discussions, and high‑impact networking. We’ll highlight key accomplishments and share what’s next for the Institute.

Whether you’re a member or not, this premier gathering is where collaboration, innovation, and industry leadership come together to drive AM adoption and boost U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. Don’t miss it!

Check out the agenda, register, become a sponsor, and make your hotel accommodations, https://bit.ly/3DKKcOH.

America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) are proud to announce the winners of a recent project call funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, Manufacturing Technology Office (OSW ManTech), worth a total of $2M. The objective of the project call, Artificial Intelligence for Material Allowables in Additive Manufacturing (AIM-4AM), is to develop an AI-driven framework to identify and quantify risk in the current material allowables approach for 17-4PH stainless steel (H1025) produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF).

The outcome will enable faster, more cost-effective qualification and certification of AM materials, support agile decision-making for production parts, and accelerate adoption in defense and commercial applications.

Below are the award winners:

🔹Team Lead: Dyndrite
🔹Project Team: Mimo Technik, RTXTechnology Research Center (RTRC)

Read more https://bit.ly/4o7I5qR

America Makes Announces Winners of Project Call Worth $2M in Funding - America Makes YOUNGSTOWN, OH — America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) are proud to announce the winners of a recent project call funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, Manufacturing Technology Office (OSW ManTech), worth a ...

Welcome, Liam McGovern! We’re excited to welcome our newest intern from Youngstown State University who is joining our America Makes team!

America Makes is fortunate to have the opportunity to guide and support talented interns throughout the year. Our primary goal is to provide them with insight and exposure to the abundant career opportunities available within the additive manufacturing industry, and explore the Institute's work to accelerate AM innovation, advance defense readiness, and drive U.S. economic competitiveness.

Join us in welcoming Liam to the team!

America Makes is proud to support the DoW’s push to equip today’s warfighter with cutting‑edge technology. Through our AMTrain platform, we’re helping strengthen U.S. drone capabilities and reduce reliance on non‑domestic components by delivering standardized, mission‑ready additive manufacturing training. With Phase 2 development underway and Camp Lejeune as a pilot site, AMTrain is evolving through direct feedback from active‑duty service members to ensure training aligns with real operational needs. Together, we’re building a unified pathway for AM skills, boosting readiness, and advancing the future of drone innovation across the DoW.

Read more, https://3dprint.com/326260/dow-accelerates-drone-readiness-with-amtrain-phase-2-launch-at-camp-lejeune/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=linkedin

DoW Accelerates Drone Readiness with AMTrain Phase 2 Launch at Camp Lejeune - 3DPrint.com | Additive Manufacturing Business Equipping today’s warfighter with the most advanced technology is paramount, driving increased prioritization and investment in drone development and advanced manufacturing training within the Department of War (DoW). In this...

On this , we're thrilled to introduce a few of our new Silver !

Desktop Metal drives additive manufacturing solutions and digital on-demand production for metals, ceramics and polymers. Learn more, https://www.desktopmetal.com/

Laser Welding Solutions is a provider of state of the art surface technologies and 3D printing that help customers improve product performance, reduce costs, and meet design innovation goals. Their work in additive manufacturing focuses on integrating laser welding techniques with 3D printing to create high precision, durable metal parts. Learn more, https://laserweldingsolutions.com/

NetCentrics is a well established U.S. defense and national security contractor. Focusing heavily on supporting mission critical federal agencies with advanced IT, cybersecurity, and digital modernization capabilities. Learn more, https://netcentrics.com/

nLIGHT, Inc. is a leading provider of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers for mission critical directed energy, optical sensing, and advanced manufacturing applications. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT employs more than 800 people with operations in the United States, Europe and Asia. The company’s vertically integrated approach enables performance leadership from chip through system-level solutions. Learn more, https://www.nlight.net/advanced-manufacturing

Check out our diverse member community, https://bit.ly/4axSkMG

Big congratulations to Corey Patrick, our Industrial Base Integration Manager, for being named to the 25 Under 35 Mahoning Valley Young-Professionals!

MVYP, an affiliate of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, brings together the Valley’s young leaders to build connections and create social, educational, and charitable opportunities that strengthen our Valley.

Your commitment to not only convening and supporting the additive manufacturing community, but also your local community inspires us all. The America Makes, NCDMM, and Youngstown Innovation Hub teams are incredibly proud of you, Corey!

Join us in celebrating Corey’s well-deserved recognition.