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the little guy, spur innovation, solve the problem with over-production and wasteful use of
resources and move some of the production back to the West. No wonder people are ex-
cited about 3D printing! The only problem is that so far the promise of 3D printing, to a
large part, has turned out to be a romantic illusion. The technology still has a long way to
go before these promises are close to realization.
Meanwhile some serious actors, including President Obama, believe that 3D printing has
a bright future. There are numerous universities and institutions investing time and capital
into 3D printing's transfer to manufacturing. Below are some examples of such projects:
America Makes (formerly known as National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institu-
te NAMII): USA has made up its mind - 3D printing definitely has a great future. America
Makes was founded in 2012 and is a public-private partnership aiming at promoting the
adoption of 3D printing in the US manufacturing sector. The name change to “America
Makes” indicates the “Makers Movement's” strong position in the US.
EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing : UK uni-
versities are at the forefront of pioneering in 3D printing manufacturing. This EPSRC cen-
ter is based at the University of Nottingham and administers projects that focus on multi-
material applications, integrated functionality and other objectives related to 3D printing
manufacturing. The center opened in 2013.
Direct Manufacturing Research Center (DMRC): Germany is the base for a number of
3D printing equipment manufacturers and two of these, EOS and SLM Solutions, founded
DMRC together with material supplier Evonik, Boeing and University Paderborn in 2008.
DMRC is especially focused on pushing 3D printing manufacturing. Other member com-
panies such as Siemens, Lego, Liebherr etc. proves the seriousness in this effort.
Fraunhofer Institute: Fraunhofer is a large German research society with several loca-
tions both in Germany and abroad. A part of its funding comes from the German State, but
most of the funds are earned through contract work. The Selective Laser Melting process
was developed at Fraunhofer's department for laser technique back in the 90s. Fraunhofer
is conducting several 3D printing related research projects. Its Additive Manufacturing Al-
liance is promoting progress in manufacturing and research in materials, technology, engin-
eering and quality. The Alliance is focusing on industrial solutions in bio-medical engin-
eering, micro-system engineering, automotive engineering & aerospace, tool making and
handling & assembly.
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