Wohlers Associates and America Makes are partnering to offer a three-day design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) course. The July 18-20, 2022, course will be held at America Makes’ headquarters in Youngstown, Ohio. The course is open to the public, with members of America Makes enjoying discounted pricing.

“AM offers fascinating opportunities for new types of products and businesses,” said Terry Wohlers, head of advisory services and market intelligence at Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International. “Rethinking methods of design, coupled with understanding the true capabilities of AM, presents immeasurable options for organizations of all sizes,” he explained. Wohlers will assist lead instructor and global DfAM expert Olaf Diegel with the three-day course.

“America Makes is excited to host this upcoming Wohlers Associates training in our Youngstown facility” said Josh Cramer, education and workforce development director at America Makes. “Being able to support best practices from our members is a key component of our overall education and workforce development strategy,” notes Cramer. “We are dedicated to a "K through Grey" mission, ensuring we are driving in career pathways for all learners, including those who are reskilling or upskilling in our industry. America Makes has a rich library of programs and content, but it is even richer when collaborating with member programs and offerings.

Course presentations, discussions, and hands-on exercises cover the economics of AM, reducing the need for expensive support material, and consolidating many parts into one. The course covers topology optimization, which is letting mathematics decide where to place material to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio. The course also covers lattice/mesh structures, DfAM rules and guidelines, and the modeling and simulation of distortion caused by heat. The course includes considerations for metal, polymer, and composite materials and the creation of custom products.

According to Wohlers Report 2022, the largest application of AM is the production of end-use parts, as shown in the following chart. Producing final parts is arguably the most interesting application of AM with the greatest long-term potential. Production applications almost always require DfAM. Designers and managers considering the adoption of AM for series and custom production will gain an advantage over others if they attend this course.

The production of end-use parts is the largest application of AM. Source: Wohlers Report 2022

Those attending the course will receive Wohlers Report 2022 at no additional cost. Details on the course are available at this web page.

About Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International
The advisory group offers an unparalleled window into additive manufacturing and 3D printing. Wohlers Associates provides technical, market, and strategic advice on the new developments and trends in rapid product development and AM. The organization has provided consulting assistance to more than 275 organizations in 27 countries. Separately, it has advised more than 180 investors. Wohlers Associates was acquired by ASTM International in Q4 2021 and now involves a much larger team of technical and market experts to support the growing AM industry.

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