Additive Manufacturing Users Group Recognizes Excellence

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) announced recipients of awards for excellence, service and technical skill. The awards were presented at the 24th annual users group conference in Costa Mesa, California.

In its opening ceremonies, Charlie Norton, president of NCP Leasing, and Guy Bourdeau, sales manager at 3D Systems and AMUG treasurer, were honored with awards for years of support of the users group. Norton was recognized for his unsurpassed moral and financial backing of the users group over many years. He was also recognized for his role in spawning numerous new careers in the additive manufacturing industry. Bourdeau, who is stepping down from the treasurer’s position after 12 years of service, was recognized for his dedication, passion and financial stewardship.

AMUG winner - food processorGary Rabinovitz, AMUG president, said, “Without Charlie Norton and Guy Bourdeau, our organization would not be what it is today. We are lucky to have many exceptional people that make AMUG extraordinary, but Charlie and Guy have shown dedication that is unmatched.”

AMUG winner - fantasy figureAt the annual Awards Banquet, the association named the winners of the 2012 Technical Competition. This competition recognizes excellence in additive manufacturing applications and skill in finishing additive manufacturing parts. A panel of industry veterans selected Mike Pierce of Hamilton Beach Brands for his food processor with sheet metal part as the top entry in the Advanced Concepts category. For advanced finishing, the same panel selected Todd Reese of Realize Inc. for his fantasy character figure.

 “We had 13 fantastic entries in the Technical Competition, making it difficult to select just two winners,” said Rabinovitz.

Another event highlight was the presentations of 18 Dinosaur Awards, which recognize industry veterans with exceptional skill that in turn contribute back to the additive manufacturing industry. The newly named dinosaurs are:

Fused Deposition Modeling

  • Duane Byerly, Xerox
  • Mike Littrell, C.ideas
  • Frank Medina, University of Texas at El Paso

Laser Sintering

  • Paul Bates, Reebok
  • David Bourell, University of Texas
  • Roger Cunningham, Integra
  • Scott Schermer, SC Johnson
  • Thomas Starr, University of Louisville


PolyJet

  • Robert Coleman, Mattel
  • Dan Mishek, Vista Technologies
  • Jason Lopes, Legacy Effects
  • Bradley Ruprecht, U.S. Army
  • Michael Zerbe, Newell Rubbermaid


Stereolithography

  • Bill Braune, Met-L-Flo
  • Larry Monahan, Becton Dickinson
  • Brad Palumbo, Phoenix Analysis & Design Technology
  • Ken Patton, Rapid Tech/Saddleback College
  • Sean Wise, RePliForm