The 2025 AMUG Conference, hosted by the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG), is set to bring together some of the brightest minds in the field of additive manufacturing. Scheduled to take place in Chicago, illinois, from March 30 to April 3, 2025, the event will feature two standout keynote speakers: Ryan Watkins, a Research Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and Joe Scarbo, President of Scarbo Performance Corp. Their presentations promise to inspire attendees with stories of innovation, practical problem-solving, and the transformative power of additive manufacturing.
Ryan Watkins: Bridging Design and Additive Manufacturing for Space Exploration
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Ryan Watkins, a leading figure in aerospace engineering, will take the stage on Tuesday, April 1. his keynote, titled ‘Linking Design with Additive Manufacturing,’ will delve into the development of 3D-printed, crushable structures designed for high-speed impact attenuation. These structures were created to meet the unique demands of NASA missions, overcoming significant manufacturing and design challenges. Watkins will share insights into the process of integrating advanced materials with computational design, such as topology optimization, to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace engineering.
Watkins’ work at JPL has been groundbreaking. Over the past nine years, he has led the design, build, and testing of launch restraint hardware for missions like NASA’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) and the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture radar (NISAR). His contributions to 3D-printed lattice structures earned JPL the 2024 3D Printing Industry Award in the aerospace, space, and defence category.Additionally,his software,UnitcellHub,was named JPL’s Software of the Year and made publicly available,further cementing his impact on the field.
Joe Scarbo: Revolutionizing Motorsports with Additive Manufacturing
On Thursday, April 3, Joe Scarbo will share his journey of integrating additive manufacturing into high-performance vehicles. as the founder of Scarbo Performance Corp, Scarbo has built a reputation for innovation in motorsports. His keynote will explore how his team used additive manufacturing to create the SV RSR, which raced in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as Ken Block’s Hoonipigasus, and the SV Rover, which competed in the Baja 1000 before becoming the world’s first street-legal Hypertruck.Scarbo’s passion for racing and engineering began at a young age. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering, he worked with global leaders in motorsports, including Volkswagen Motorsport’s off-road racing program. His experience with additive manufacturing began in Orange County, California, where he leveraged the technology for design and prototyping. Today, Scarbo Performance Corp encompasses four businesses, offering everything from bespoke vehicle manufacturing to performance after-market components.
A Convergence of Innovation
Both Watkins and Scarbo exemplify the transformative potential of additive manufacturing. Watkins’ work in aerospace engineering demonstrates how the technology can solve complex problems in conservative industries, while Scarbo’s motorsport innovations highlight its versatility in high-performance applications. Their presentations at the AMUG Conference will not only showcase their achievements but also inspire attendees to explore new possibilities in their own fields.
Key Details at a Glance
| Speaker | Date | Topic | Key Achievements |
|——————–|—————-|—————————————————————————|————————————————————————————-|
| Ryan Watkins | April 1, 2025 | Linking Design with Additive Manufacturing | Developed 3D-printed crushable structures; JPL Software of the Year (UnitcellHub) |
| Joe Scarbo | April 3, 2025 | Additive Manufacturing in Motorsports | Created SV RSR and SV Rover; built over 30 vehicles for global clients |
The 2025 AMUG Conference is more than just an event—it’s a platform for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration. Whether you’re an engineer, designer, or industry enthusiast, this is an possibility to learn from the best and explore the future of additive manufacturing. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience. Register now to secure your spot.
Exploring the Future of Additive Manufacturing: Insights from the 2025 AMUG Conference
The 2025 AMUG Conference, hosted by the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG), is set too bring together some of the brightest minds in the field of additive manufacturing. Scheduled to take place in Chicago, Illinois, from March 30 to April 3, 2025, the event will feature two standout keynote speakers: Ryan Watkins, a Research Engineer at NASA’s Jet propulsion laboratory (JPL), and Joe Scarbo, President of Scarbo Performance Corp. To delve deeper into the transformative potential of additive manufacturing, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in materials science and additive manufacturing, to discuss the key themes and innovations that will be showcased at the conference.
Bridging Design and Additive Manufacturing for Space Exploration
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, Ryan Watkins’ keynote at the AMUG Conference focuses on linking design with additive manufacturing for space exploration.Can you elaborate on why this is such a critical area of innovation?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. Space exploration presents unique challenges that require highly specialized solutions. Additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, allows engineers like Ryan Watkins to create complex, lightweight structures that are both durable and efficient. For example, the crushable structures he developed for high-speed impact attenuation are a game-changer for missions where weight and resilience are paramount. By integrating advanced materials and computational design techniques like topology optimization, additive manufacturing is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace engineering.
Senior Editor: Watkins’ work has earned JPL significant recognition, including the 2024 3D Printing Industry Award. What makes his contributions so groundbreaking?
Dr.Emily Carter: Ryan’s work stands out because it combines cutting-edge technology with practical problem-solving. His development of 3D-printed lattice structures has not only improved the performance of spacecraft but also streamlined the manufacturing process. Additionally, his software, UnitcellHub, has been a game-changer for the industry. By making it publicly available, he’s enabling other engineers and researchers to build on his work, which is a hallmark of true innovation.
Revolutionizing Motorsports with Additive Manufacturing
Senior Editor: Joe Scarbo’s keynote will focus on the role of additive manufacturing in motorsports. How has this technology transformed high-performance vehicle design?
Dr. Emily Carter: Motorsports is an ideal testing ground for additive manufacturing because it demands precision, speed, and innovation.Joe Scarbo has been at the forefront of this conversion. His use of additive manufacturing to create vehicles like the SV RSR and SV Rover demonstrates how the technology can be used to produce lightweight, high-performance components that are tailored to specific racing conditions. What’s particularly exciting is how these innovations are now being applied to street-legal vehicles, like the Hypertruck, which represents a new frontier in automotive design.
Senior Editor: Scarbo’s journey from mechanical engineering to founding Scarbo Performance Corp is inspiring. What lessons can other industries take from his approach?
Dr. Emily Carter: Joe’s story is a testament to the power of passion and persistence. He started with a deep love for racing and engineering, and through years of hard work and collaboration, he’s built a company that’s redefining what’s possible in motorsports. His approach—leveraging additive manufacturing for both prototyping and production—shows how the technology can be used at every stage of the design process. This is a lesson that other industries, from healthcare to consumer goods, can learn from.
The Transformative Power of additive Manufacturing
Senior Editor: Both Watkins and Scarbo exemplify the transformative potential of additive manufacturing. What do you see as the key takeaways from their work?
Dr. Emily Carter: The key takeaway is that additive manufacturing is not just a tool—it’s a paradigm shift. ryan’s work in aerospace shows how it can solve complex problems in conservative industries, while Joe’s innovations in motorsports highlight its versatility in high-performance applications. Together,they demonstrate that additive manufacturing is a catalyst for innovation across a wide range of fields. The AMUG Conference is the perfect platform to explore these possibilities and inspire the next generation of engineers and designers.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 AMUG Conference
Senior Editor: What can attendees expect from the 2025 AMUG Conference, and why is it such an crucial event for the additive manufacturing community?
Dr. Emily Carter: The AMUG Conference is more than just an event—it’s a hub for collaboration and inspiration. attendees will have the chance to learn from pioneers like Ryan Watkins and Joe Scarbo, network with industry leaders, and explore the latest advancements in additive manufacturing. Whether you’re an engineer, designer, or industry enthusiast, this conference offers a unique chance to be part of a community that’s shaping the future of manufacturing. I highly encourage anyone interested in the field to attend and experience it firsthand.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. carter, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing the innovations that emerge from the 2025 AMUG Conference.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for additive manufacturing,and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience. Register now to secure your spot at the 2025 AMUG Conference.
