SPE Acquires ImplementAM: Pioneering the Future of Additive Manufacturing Education and Industry Integration

In a significant move poised to accelerate the adoption and understanding of advanced manufacturing techniques, the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) has officially announced the acquisition of ImplementAM. This strategic integration marks SPE’s second major foray into the additive manufacturing (AM) sector this year, building upon its earlier purchase of 3Dnatives. The powerful synergy forged between SPE, ImplementAM, and 3Dnatives is set to create a robust ecosystem dedicated to closing the critical knowledge gap between traditional manufacturing methodologies and the rapidly evolving world of additive manufacturing and 3D printing. This collaborative effort aims to equip industry professionals with the insights and skills necessary to leverage innovative approaches, thereby significantly enhancing manufacturing processes across various sectors.

Empowering the Industry Through Cutting-Edge Education

ImplementAM has distinguished itself as a leader in delivering highly focused, one-day educational workshops specifically designed to introduce manufacturing professionals to the transformative potential of 3D printing technologies. Their programs are meticulously crafted to guide participants in revolutionizing and expediting their production processes through the intelligent application of digital tools. At the core of ImplementAM’s educational philosophy is a pragmatic, problem-solving methodology. This approach emphasizes the practical adoption of cutting-edge technologies, reinforced by a dynamic curriculum that incorporates a range of collaborative case studies and hands-on exercises. The workshops move beyond theoretical concepts, providing actionable insights that participants can immediately apply to their operational challenges.

Patrick Farrey, CEO of SPE, elaborated on the strategic alignment, stating, “ImplementAM, SPE, and 3Dnatives share an undeniable synergy in their fundamental mission: to inform, educate, and significantly advance the additive manufacturing industry. Our diverse stakeholders across the plastics and manufacturing sectors increasingly recognize the exponential growth of additive manufacturing and 3D printing’s pivotal importance in modern processing and production operations. ImplementAM provides invaluable, vital educational opportunities to thoroughly explore this dynamic industry and understand its profound impact on future manufacturing paradigms.” This sentiment underscores SPE’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and ensuring its members are well-equipped for the future.

A Vision of Innovation: Bridging Traditional and Additive Manufacturing

The innovative ImplementAM workshop series was conceptualized and brought to life by David Tucker and Kristin Mulherin, both revered veterans in the additive manufacturing industry who initially collaborated during their tenures at HP 3D Printing. Their shared vision is rooted in a profound conviction: for additive manufacturing to truly flourish and achieve widespread industrial integration, companies must cultivate not only a robust technical foundation but also a deep, nuanced understanding of the intricate design principles and critical business aspects that underpin its successful adoption. They recognized early on that mere technological prowess is insufficient; a holistic appreciation of how AM integrates into existing business models and product development cycles is paramount.

Kristin Mulherin emphasized this crucial distinction, noting, “The integration of additive manufacturing and 3D printing does not serve to replace traditional manufacturing methods; rather, its inherent value lies in its capacity to significantly enhance existing processes through unparalleled innovation and streamlined operations.” This perspective is foundational to ImplementAM’s curriculum, which consistently highlights how 3D printing acts as a powerful complement, enabling customization, accelerating prototyping, and optimizing supply chains in ways conventional methods cannot easily achieve. By teaching professionals to identify opportunities where AM adds distinct value, ImplementAM empowers businesses to achieve greater efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness.

Empowering Traditional Manufacturers with Modern Solutions

ImplementAM’s workshops are specifically designed to forge stronger connections among traditional manufacturers by engaging them in highly interactive programs. A core focus of these programs is the development of innovative products that leverage hybrid design approaches, seamlessly integrating foundational traditional manufacturing principles with advanced digital components. This blend allows companies to reimagine product functionality, performance, and manufacturability. By participating in these workshops, individuals and companies gain the practical knowledge and confidence to create products that deliver an improved user experience, significantly reduce waste throughout the production lifecycle, achieve dramatically faster development cycles, and enable greater proximity to end-users through localized production capabilities. This holistic approach addresses many contemporary manufacturing challenges, from sustainability to supply chain resilience.

David Tucker further illuminated the unique design and accessibility of their workshops: “Our overarching goal with ImplementAM is to bring highly impactful, in-person workshops directly to the regions where people work and live. We understand the value of convenience and community. To foster a unique and engaging learning environment, our day-long workshops are frequently hosted at local breweries, which not only facilitates invaluable networking opportunities but also cultivates an overall sense of enjoyment and camaraderie. These immersive experiences are rich with content, including comprehensive facility tours that provide real-world context, extensive hands-on exercises that solidify theoretical knowledge, and presentations from expert speakers who generously share their diverse experiences, overcome challenges, and celebrate successes within the additive manufacturing landscape. We are unwavering in our commitment to offering a truly dynamic and unforgettable learning experience that resonates deeply with every participant.” This innovative format breaks down traditional barriers to learning, making advanced manufacturing concepts accessible and engaging.

Taking it Global: Expanding Reach and Impact

The acquisition by SPE and the established global reach of 3Dnatives are set to propel ImplementAM’s educational initiatives far beyond its current operational scope. In addition to their highly anticipated upcoming workshops in key U.S. locations such as Charlotte, NC (Oct. 19), Milwaukee, WI (Nov. 2), Phoenix, AZ (Dec. 7), and Austin, TX (Jan. 17), ImplementAM is poised for significant international expansion. Leveraging 3Dnatives’ extensive network and international recognition, the program is expected to broaden its presence considerably outside the United States. Exciting plans are already well underway for dedicated workshops tailored for European audiences, slated to commence in 2024. This global expansion signifies a concerted effort to democratize access to critical additive manufacturing knowledge and foster a globally informed professional community.

Alexandre Martel, Director and Founder of 3Dnatives, shared his enthusiasm for the expanded partnership: “ImplementAM is undeniably the perfect addition to the combined portfolio of services that SPE and 3Dnatives offer to the entire manufacturing world. With our significantly extended network and enhanced capabilities, we are now more empowered than ever to fulfill our mission: to equip industry professionals globally with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to fully unlock the transformative potential inherent in 3D printing technologies.” This unified front promises to be a cornerstone for future innovation and professional development in advanced manufacturing. For comprehensive information about ImplementAM and their impactful educational initiatives, please visit the official website HERE.

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