Formation of a Trade Association for the Metal AM Industry

The Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) is proud to announce its intention to form a trade association for the metal additive manufacturing (AM) industry. An organizational meeting will be held at the conclusion of the AMPM2017 conference on June 16 at the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Manufacturers of metal AM products, precursor materials, and equipment manufacturers that support the metal AM industry are all welcome to attend. There is no fee to attend the organizational meeting.

Like the existing MPIF affiliated associations, the tentatively named Association for Metal Additive Manufacturing's (AMAM) main mission would be to increase the visibility and stature of metal AM within the industrial community and, in the process, enhance the metal AM industry's opportunities for continued growth. MPIF considers this a logical connection and has complete support for such an association by the Federation's Board of Governors.

This approach is being proposed because:

• metal AM represents a natural relationship to powder metallurgy (PM) technology;
• MPIF is already well established as the organization representing the worldwide interests of virtually all facets of PM technology;
• MPIF has in place associations with combined parts manufacturing and supplier-base organizations, i.e., Metal Injection Molding Association;
• overseas members recognize and endorse MPIF as a highly respected international trade organization.

Of all organizational options, the "trade association" has the greatest credibility and acceptance as being representative of an industry and its technology. By becoming a trade division of MPIF, AMAM will benefit from the well-established reputation and high regard with which this organization is held by the government, the Department of Justice, and the engineering public. Other benefits of association will be discussed at the organizational meeting.

AMPM2017, and the co-located POWDERMET2017 conference, is sponsored by the MPIF and APMI International.

Please RSVP with your intention to participate by contacting Jim Adams at jadams@mpif.org.