keynote Speakers Announced for AMUG 2025: NASA and Scarbo Performance to Showcase Innovation in additive Manufacturing
The Additive Manufacturing users Group (AMUG) has unveiled its lineup of keynote speakers for the 2025 AMUG Conference,set to take place in Chicago,Illinois,from March 30 to April 3,2025. This year’s event will feature two industry leaders: ryan Watkins, a research engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), and Joe Scarbo, president of Scarbo Performance. Both speakers will share their groundbreaking work in additive manufacturing (AM), offering insights into how innovation and practical decision-making are reshaping the industry.
NASA’s Ryan Watkins: linking Design with Additive Manufacturing
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Ryan Watkins’ keynote presentation will focus on the theme of “linking design with additive manufacturing.” He will delve into NASA’s advancement of 3D-printed, crushable structures designed for high-speed impact attenuation applications. These structures were created to meet the unique demands of space exploration, were safety and performance are paramount.
Watkins will discuss the challenges NASA faced in designing and manufacturing these structures, highlighting how additive manufacturing enabled the team to push the boundaries of what’s possible. His presentation will underscore the importance of integrating design and manufacturing processes to achieve innovative solutions.
Joe Scarbo: Additive Manufacturing in High-Performance Vehicles
Joe Scarbo, president of Scarbo Performance, will take the stage to share his experiences using additive manufacturing in the creation of high-performance vehicles. Under the Scarbo Vintage (SV) brand, his team has developed vehicles like the SV RSR, which competed in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as Ken Block’s Hoonipigasus, and the SV Rover, which raced in the Baja 1000.
Both vehicles feature numerous additively manufactured parts, and Scarbo will explore the decision-making process behind choosing AM for specific components. Drawing on his expertise in mechanical engineering, welding, machining, and racing, he will explain why additive manufacturing was—or wasn’t—the right choice for each application.
A Conference Designed for All Levels of Expertise
The AMUG Conference is tailored to both novice and experienced users of additive manufacturing. The agenda includes nearly 150 presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and hands-on training sessions. Topics range from technology basics to advanced applications and business considerations, ensuring that attendees leave with actionable insights.
In addition to the keynote presentations, the conference will feature a panel discussion with industry leaders representing AMUG’s Diamond Sponsors and the Innovators showcase.These sessions will kick off each day, setting the tone for a week of learning, networking, and collaboration.
Key Details at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Conference Name | AMUG Conference 2025 |
| Dates | March 30 – April 3, 2025 |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Keynote Speakers | Ryan Watkins (NASA JPL), Joe Scarbo (Scarbo Performance) |
| Focus Areas | Aerospace, automotive, design, and advanced applications in AM |
| Agenda highlights | 150+ sessions, workshops, and hands-on training |
Why attend AMUG 2025?
the AMUG Conference is more than just a gathering of industry professionals—it’s a platform for innovation and collaboration. Whether you’re new to additive manufacturing or a seasoned expert, the event offers unparalleled opportunities to learn from leaders like Ryan Watkins and Joe Scarbo, explore cutting-edge technologies, and connect with peers.
Mark your calendars for March 30 – April 3, 2025, and join the AMUG Conference in Chicago to witness how additive manufacturing is transforming industries and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.For more data and to register, visit the official AMUG Conference website.
Exploring Innovation in Additive Manufacturing: A Conversation with NASA’s Ryan Watkins and Scarbo Performance’s Joe Scarbo
The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference 2025 is set to be a landmark event, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in additive manufacturing (AM). This year’s keynote speakers,Ryan watkins from NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and Joe Scarbo of Scarbo Performance,will share their groundbreaking work and insights into how AM is transforming industries. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor Sarah Thompson of world-today-news.com sits down with thes experts to discuss their contributions to the field and what attendees can expect at the conference.
NASA’s ryan Watkins: Linking Design with Additive Manufacturing
Sarah Thompson: Ryan, your keynote at AMUG 2025 focuses on “Linking Design with Additive Manufacturing.” Can you tell us more about NASA’s work in this area and how AM is shaping the future of space exploration?
Ryan Watkins: Absolutely, Sarah. At NASA JPL, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering and design.one of our recent breakthroughs involves 3D-printed, crushable structures designed for high-speed impact attenuation. These structures are critical for ensuring the safety and performance of spacecraft during missions. Additive manufacturing allows us to create complex geometries that would be impractical with conventional methods, enabling us to meet the unique demands of space exploration.
Sarah Thompson: That’s fascinating. What challenges did you face in developing these structures, and how did AM help overcome them?
Ryan Watkins: One of the biggest challenges was balancing strength and weight. In space,every gram counts,so we needed structures that were lightweight yet capable of absorbing significant impact forces. AM gave us the versatility to experiment with intricate designs and materials, ultimately leading to solutions that are both efficient and effective. It’s a great example of how integrating design and manufacturing processes can drive innovation.
Joe Scarbo: Additive Manufacturing in High-Performance Vehicles
Sarah Thompson: Joe,your work at Scarbo Performance has been groundbreaking in the automotive world. can you share how additive manufacturing has influenced the advancement of high-performance vehicles like the SV RSR?
Joe Scarbo: Thanks, Sarah. At Scarbo Performance, we’ve embraced AM as a tool to push the limits of what’s possible in vehicle design and performance. the SV RSR,for example,features numerous additively manufactured parts that were specifically chosen for their ability to enhance performance while reducing weight. Whether it’s custom brackets, suspension components, or even aerodynamic elements, AM allows us to create parts that are optimized for their specific function.
Sarah Thompson: That’s notable. How do you decide which components are best suited for AM, and what factors influence those decisions?
Joe Scarbo: It’s a combination of factors, really. We look at the complexity of the part, the materials required, and the performance benefits.Such as, if a part needs to be lightweight but also withstand extreme forces, AM might be the ideal solution. On the other hand, if a component is simple and cost-effective to produce traditionally, we might go that route. It’s all about making informed decisions that align with our goals for performance and efficiency.
Why Attend AMUG 2025?
Sarah Thompson: Both of you are set to deliver inspiring keynotes at AMUG 2025. Why do you think this conference is a must-attend event for professionals in the additive manufacturing space?
Ryan Watkins: AMUG is unique because it brings together people from all levels of expertise, from beginners to seasoned professionals. the conference offers a wealth of knowledge through presentations, workshops, and hands-on training sessions.It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate with others who are passionate about advancing the field of additive manufacturing.
Joe scarbo: I couldn’t agree more. AMUG is more than just a conference—it’s a community. Whether you’re looking to explore the basics of AM or dive into advanced applications,there’s something for everyone. Plus,the chance to hear from industry leaders and see cutting-edge technologies in action is invaluable. It’s an event that truly showcases the transformative power of additive manufacturing.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you both for sharing your insights. I’m sure our readers are as excited as I am to hear more at AMUG 2025. For those interested in attending, the conference will take place from March 30 to April 3, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. Be sure to visit the official AMUG Conference website for more details and registration data.
