America Makes

America Makes. It is the United States' national accelerator for additive manufacturing and 3D printing, established as the first institute within the Manufacturing USA network. Headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio, it operates as a public-private partnership aimed at advancing manufacturing innovation and enhancing global competitiveness. The institute serves as a collaborative hub, convening members from industry, academia, government, and workforce development entities to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.

History and establishment

The institute was founded in 2012, following a competitive award by the United States Department of Defense under the Obama administration's initiative to create a National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. Its establishment was a direct response to recommendations from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to bolster domestic advanced manufacturing capabilities. The initial award was managed through the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), with the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) selected to lead the consortium. The choice of Youngstown, Ohio, symbolized a strategic investment in the revitalization of the historic American Manufacturing Belt.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to accelerate the discovery, development, and deployment of innovative additive manufacturing technologies to increase domestic manufacturing competitiveness. Primary objectives include reducing the cost and time of research and development, facilitating the transition of technologies from laboratory to commercialization, and cultivating a robust advanced manufacturing workforce. This is achieved by fostering an open, collaborative ecosystem where members share resources, data, and intellectual property under pre-competitive agreements to solve complex industrial challenges.

Organizational structure and governance

Governance is provided by a board of directors comprising representatives from leading member organizations across industry and academia. Day-to-day operations are managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), which serves as the institute's fiduciary. Technical direction and project selection are guided by roadmapping workshops and advisory councils involving experts from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, General Electric, and Lockheed Martin. Membership is tiered, with strategic members like Northrop Grumman and Boeing having greater influence on governance and project calls.

Key programs and initiatives

The institute executes its mission through focused project calls and flagship programs. These initiatives often target specific technology gaps identified in industry roadmaps, such as improving process qualification for aerospace components or developing new polymer materials. Notable programs have included the "Maturation of Advanced Manufacturing for Low-Cost Sustainment" (MAMLS) project with the United States Army and the "Additive Manufacturing for Maintenance" (AM-MAIN) effort. It also hosts the annual "Additive Manufacturing Exchange" conference and manages extensive technical data repositories to disseminate findings.

Impact and achievements

Significant achievements include the development and publication of hundreds of technical documents and standardization guidelines that have influenced practices at organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International). Projects facilitated through the institute have led to breakthroughs in areas such as rapid tooling for the automotive industry and the qualification of titanium alloy parts for the F-35 Lightning II program. Its workforce development programs, in collaboration with entities like Community College of the Air Force and Tooling U-SME, have trained thousands in additive manufacturing skills.

Partnerships and funding

As a cornerstone of the Manufacturing USA network, it operates through a consortium model funded by a combination of federal agency support and private cost-share. Key federal partners include the United States Department of Defense, the United States Department of Energy, and NASA. Industrial membership spans global leaders such as Raytheon Technologies, Honeywell, and Siemens, as well as innovative small and medium-sized enterprises. This collaborative funding model, managed under agreements with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, ensures projects are industry-relevant and accelerates the path to market for new technologies. Category:Manufacturing organizations Category:Research institutes in the United States Category:Organizations based in Ohio