America Makes

Definition

America Makes is the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, established to accelerate the adoption of 3D printing technologies across various sectors in the United States. It aims to foster collaboration between industry, academia, and government to enhance additive manufacturing processes, drive innovation, and reduce material waste in manufacturing practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. America Makes was established in 2012 as part of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) to strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
2. One of the key objectives of America Makes is to develop and promote technologies that help reduce material waste during the additive manufacturing process.
3. The institute works on various projects that involve collaboration with companies and research institutions to advance research in materials, processes, and standards.
4. America Makes also focuses on workforce development by providing training programs to ensure that individuals have the skills needed for careers in additive manufacturing.
5. The initiatives from America Makes are essential for developing standards that guide material usage and waste reduction in 3D printing applications.

Review Questions

• How does America Makes contribute to reducing material waste in additive manufacturing?
  • America Makes plays a significant role in reducing material waste by developing advanced technologies and methodologies that optimize the additive manufacturing process. This includes research into new materials that are more efficient, as well as improved printing techniques that minimize excess material use. By fostering collaboration among industry leaders and researchers, America Makes promotes best practices that can be adopted widely to enhance sustainability in manufacturing.
• What are some ways America Makes engages with industry and academia to promote innovations in 3D printing?
  • America Makes engages with industry and academia through collaborative projects that focus on research and development in additive manufacturing. By bringing together experts from various fields, the institute facilitates knowledge sharing, accelerates technological advancements, and creates new applications for 3D printing. Workshops, training programs, and partnerships are established to ensure that innovations are effectively integrated into real-world manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate the broader implications of America Makes' efforts on sustainability in the manufacturing sector.
  • The efforts of America Makes have significant implications for sustainability within the manufacturing sector by promoting practices that reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. As additive manufacturing techniques evolve, they offer opportunities for more sustainable production methods that utilize fewer materials while maintaining high-quality outputs. This shift not only benefits individual companies through cost savings but also contributes positively to environmental goals by reducing the overall ecological footprint of manufacturing activities across the country.

Related terms

Additive Manufacturing: A process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer, often using 3D printing technologies.

Supply Chain Optimization: The process of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of a supply chain to reduce costs and material waste while maximizing product quality.

Sustainability: Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often achieved by minimizing waste and using resources efficiently.