Key Takeaways
- The MMX 2026 event emphasized the need for increased speed in the additive manufacturing industry
- Matthew Sermon, Executive Director of DRPM Submarines, DoW, highlighted the importance of moving faster to keep up with adversaries
- America Makes has broadened its scope to include adaptive manufacturing, in addition to additive manufacturing
- The organization is driven by the non-profit National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM)
Introduction to MMX 2026
The recent MMX 2026 event, held by America Makes in Youngstown, Ohio, kicked off with a keynote speech by Matthew Sermon, Executive Director of DRPM Submarines, DoW. Sermon emphasized the need for increased speed in the additive manufacturing industry, stating that progress has been made, but it's "not near fast enough." He noted that the industry needs to move at a pace similar to that of its adversaries.
The Need for Speed
Sermon's message was echoed by many speakers throughout the event, highlighting the importance of accelerating the development and implementation of additive manufacturing technologies. The current pace of progress is not sufficient to keep up with the rapidly evolving needs of the industry. With the increasing demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities, the industry must adapt and innovate at a faster rate.
America Makes Updates
America Makes, driven by the non-profit National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), has been working to accelerate advanced manufacturing in the U.S. The organization has broadened its scope to include adaptive manufacturing, in addition to additive manufacturing. This expansion aims to provide a more comprehensive approach to advanced manufacturing, enabling the industry to respond more effectively to emerging challenges.
Comparison of Manufacturing Technologies
| Technology | Description | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Additive Manufacturing (AM) | Creates products by adding materials layer by layer | Variable, depending on machine and material |
| Adaptive Manufacturing | Combines AM with other manufacturing technologies to create complex products | Faster than traditional manufacturing methods |
| Traditional Manufacturing | Uses subtractive methods to create products | Generally slower than AM and adaptive manufacturing |
Conclusion
The MMX 2026 event highlighted the need for increased speed in the additive manufacturing industry. With the rapidly evolving needs of the industry, it's essential to accelerate the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies. America Makes is working to address this challenge by broadening its scope to include adaptive manufacturing.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the MMX 2026 event emphasized the importance of increasing speed in the additive manufacturing industry. With the current pace of progress not being sufficient, the industry must adapt and innovate at a faster rate to keep up with emerging challenges. America Makes is working to address this challenge, and its efforts will be crucial in driving the growth and development of the industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to prioritize speed and innovation to remain competitive.