AMT Elects New Board Leadership

Daniel D. Janka, president of Mazak Corp., has been elected chairman of the board for AMT. Melanie Lang, FormAlloy, and Rajas Sukthankar, Siemens, are newly elected board members.

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which represents U.S.-based providers of manufacturing technology, has elected its 2023-2024 directors and members for the AMT board of directors. The 2023-2024 board year begins May 1, 2023.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to support and serve such a fantastic organization as AMT,” said newly elected Chairman Daniel D. Janka, president of Mazak Corp. “Manufacturers face many challenges today, including disrupted supply chains, a shortage of skilled labor, high inflation, and high interest rates, but with any challenge, there comes opportunity, and AMT is there to support its members. In addition to promoting reshoring, MTConnect, and innovative technological advancements such as additive manufacturing and automation, AMT continues to provide its members with outstanding resources.”

The U.S. manufacturing industry provided record-breaking job numbers in 2022 and economic growth for millions of people. The rapidly evolving manufacturing technology sector includes the advanced machinery, devices, and digital equipment that U.S. manufacturing relies on to be productive, innovative, and competitive.

"I am pleased to announce our new board leadership and the election of Dan Janka to chairman of the board,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “This is an exciting time for AMT because we are experiencing a manufacturing resurgence thanks to new transformative technologies and the return of the manufacturing value-stream to the United States. Manufacturing continues to create high-value jobs and develop core products and services that dynamically drive the U.S. economy. I look forward to working with Dan and the board as we continue to position our industry to grow and thrive in the global manufacturing marketplace.”

In addition to Janka, Michael Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America Corp., has been elected to serve as first vice chairman; Gregory Volovic, president and CEO of Hurco Cos. Inc., has been elected to serve as secretary; and Gregory L. Buck, president, Productivity Inc., will serve as treasurer.

Newly elected to the AMT board in the 2023-2024 term are Melanie Lang, co-founder and CEO, FormAlloy, and Rajas Sukthankar, vice president of motion control, Siemens.

Paul Ricard, founder and president, Machining Cloud, and Christopher A. Bailey, retired president and chief operating officer, Air Quality Group LLC., will serve ex-officio.

Also serving on the AMT board in the 2023-2024 term are Blake Consdorf, president and CEO of Bourn & Koch Inc.; William R. Eichele, president of The Motch and Eichele Co. LLC.; Glynn Fletcher, president of EOS North America; and Chip Storie, retired group executive, Camozzi Machine Tools.

For more information, visit www.AMTonline.org.

Draft Standardization Roadmap for Additive Manufacturing Version 3.0 Released for Comment

Comments invited by May 31, 2023.

America Makes and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) released a draft of the Standardization Roadmap for Additive Manufacturing (Version 3.0) for public review and comment. Developed by the America Makes and ANSI Additive Manufacturing Standardization Collaborative (AMSC), the roadmap was last published in June 2018. It identifies key issues, notes relevant published and in-development standards, and offers recommendations to address gaps in standards and specifications for additive manufacturing (AM). This includes recommending pre-standardization research and development (R&D) where needed. It also proposes prioritized timeframes for when standardization work should occur, as well as standards developing organizations (SDOs) or others that may be able to lead such work. Working groups, including a new one on data across the AM lifecycle, have been developing the draft roadmap since a kickoff event held in September 2022.

The request for comment specifically invites observations or statements that represent critical revisions and needed clarifications on the roadmap content. Comments on the draft roadmap may be submitted to amsc@ansi.org by close of business on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Use of the form provided (see below) is required to better manage and review comments. The AMSC working groups are currently on hiatus and will reconvene in June to address the submissions received and finalize the document for publication by the end of July 2023. While all comments are welcome, the AMSC reserves the right to hold the disposition of comments in reserve for a future iteration of the document if they are unable to be addressed within the time available. This could include, for example, comments on the document’s organization, or issues not addressed.

Developed with input from hundreds of experts from industry, government, SDOs, and academia, the AMSC’s roadmap describes the current and desired future standardization landscape for AM. The focus is industrial AM across market sectors that are using AM technologies. The roadmap is targeted toward a broad audience including OEMs, material producers, government and industry users of AM, SDOs, the R&D community, and others. Additional metadata has been introduced in the gaps to facilitate searching by lifecycle area, industry sector, material type, AM processes, and qualification and certification category. Gaps also consider current alternatives being used until an AM standard or specification is available to address an issue.

Over the last few years, the AMSC has been issuing semi-annual progress reports to maintain the roadmap as a “living document,” tracking the publication of new standards or the initiation of new standards projects by SDOs to address the gaps and recommendations contained in version 2.0. The AMSC also held a series of virtual events on various issues of concern, including process control to enable qualification, design for AM, feedstock materials, and inspection/monitoring. Following a survey released in early 2022 about use of the roadmap, the AMSC advisory group—comprised of industry, government, and SDO representatives—concluded it was time to update the document so that it remains relevant and aligns with current practices and stakeholder needs.

The draft roadmap and related materials may be downloaded as follows:

• Working Draft Version 3.0 Standardization Roadmap for Additive Manufacturing (374 page 6MB pdf file)
• Instructions for Using Comment Form (pdf file)
• Comment Form (required) (Excel file). When accessing the form, you may be prompted for credentials; just hit “Cancel” one or more times to download and open the document.

For more information, visit www.ansi.org or www.americamakes.us.

2023 ASQ Hromi Medal Awarded to Confalone

ECM, a division of In-Place Machining Company, announced that Gary Confalone was the recipient of the 2023 ASQ Hromi Medal. Each year the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Hromi Medal committee recognizes individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the science of inspection and/or the advancement of the inspection profession. Recipients of the award have contributed to the profession throughout their career by delivering products and processes to advance the state of inspection through test, calibration, cost reduction, and professional development.

Confalone’s contributions to the science of inspection began more than 30 years ago when he started his career as a Systems Integration Engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft. It was during his time at Sikorksy that his passion to improve the industry with more efficient technology was ignited. After joining the American Helicopter Society, he delved into the research for the production of the Army’s RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter and later received the Inventor’s Recognition Award from Sikorsky Aircraft for the development of a laser boresight system.

After a decade of working to develop and improve laser-based metrology, he moved on to further advance the inspection sector of the developing laser tracker system through his work with Spatial Metrix Corporation. With a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master of science in mechanical engineering, Confalone founded East Coast Metrology (ECM) in Topsfield, MA, an engineering firm offering a variety of metrology solutions to a wide range of industries. ECM has since experienced exponential growth spanning the globe over the last 20 plus years.

In 2009, Confalone joined the newly formed Certification Committee of the Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS). This committee is comprised of industry volunteers who would work to later develop the industry’s first standardized metrology certification exam for both portable and stationary coordinate measuring machines. In 2021 he assumed the volunteer position of Chairperson of the Certification Committee devoting his spare time to assessing the industry requirements needed for achieving better standardized metrology processes.

In 2010, Confalone was elected to the CMS by his industry peers where he served on the Executive Committee assisting with the annual Coordinate Metrology Society Conference. The CMSC combines technical presentations from industry experts, hands-on workshops, and unprecedented training opportunities on the highest quality hardware and software in the field of metrology. In 2017, Confalone was elected Chairperson of the Executive Committee. This was a three-year voluntary commitment which involved Gary heading up the committee to oversee the society and the annual conference.

Confalone’s track record of contributions to the science of inspection is vast, however his passion for the advancement of the inspection profession lies in educating younger generations coming into the industry. He regularly brings ECM engineers to local high schools and colleges to speak with students about the opportunities in the field of engineering and metrology, including hands-on demonstrations of equipment in hopes of garnering student’s interest in this discipline.

Most recently, Confalone has co-authored and published "3D Scanning for Advanced Manufacturing, Design, and Construction." This highly educational book provides a comprehensive introduction to 3D scanning and its applications in both the manufacturing and AEC industries. After establishing the history and basic principles of 3D scanning, it includes discussions of data collection and analysis and the many real-world applications of this technology.

Confalone was awarded the Hromi Medal on May 7, during ASQ’s Award Ceremony immediately prior to the start of ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement in Philadelphia, PA.

For more visit www.inplace.com or www.eastcoastmetrology.com.

Manufacturing Institute Honors Women for Excellence in Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Institute presented 130 women with the 2023 Women MAKE Awards, which recognize women in the manufacturing industry who exemplify leadership within their companies and communities.

This national honor identifies the best of the best women in the manufacturing industry and further encourages women to mentor and support the next generation of female talent to pursue manufacturing careers. The MI recognized 100 Honorees and 30 Emerging Leaders, women under the age of 30 who have demonstrated leadership early in their careers.

“As I look out into the crowd, I’m humbled to be among so many extraordinary women—the creators, the dreamers and the doers, the makers,” MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee said at the gala. “Our Honorees and Emerging Leaders are champions at paying it forward and serving as mentors, and we’re aiming to replicate their example through the MI’s 35x30 campaign, which provides women in the industry an opportunity to mentor young women and girls—to be exemplary and uplifting role models.”

Women constitute one of manufacturing’s largest pools of untapped talent. Women total about 29% of the manufacturing workforce, far below their representation in the U.S. labor force as a whole. Last year, the MI launched the 35x30 campaign aimed at increasing the representation of women from 29% to 35% by 2030, which could fill all the open jobs in the sector today.

“In the day-to-day, it can be hard to appreciate the power of one example. But the ripple effect you can cause is incalculable,” National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons said to the awardees. “Bit by bit, we’re changing how people—most importantly young people—see the role of women in manufacturing. You’re doing more than setting an example for young people, amid uncertainty and upheaval; you’re a beacon of hope and reassurance—rising to meet the challenges of our time.”

For more information, visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

Women Who Graduate from STEM Programs Are More Than 2X Likely As Men to Pursue A Career In Manufacturing

• Xometry and Women in Manufacturing Association’s (WiM) Third-Annual “Career Advancement for Manufacturing” Survey Finds An Overwhelming Majority Of Women (82%) Are Likely To Recommend A Career In Manufacturing
• But Representation In Leadership Roles Continues To Lag, With Only One In Four Women In Executive Or Decision-Making Roles
• Agriculture, Electronics and Environmental Are The Top Three Industries Leading The Way With Women In Leadership Roles

Women who pursue an education in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (‘STEM’) are more than twice as likely as men to choose a career in manufacturing, according to the third-annual ‘Career Advancement for Manufacturing Report,’ produced in partnership between Xometry and Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM). Thirty-eight percent of women intentionally seeking a career in industry graduated from a STEM program, compared with just 18% of men, the survey found, underscoring STEM as a critical pathway to ensuring more representation for women in industry.

The annual survey also found that an overwhelming majority of women (82%) are likely to recommend a career in manufacturing, up from 75% in 2022, yet actual representation of women in the manufacturing industry has remained relatively unchanged. Since 2020, only one in four manufacturing leaders are women, a persistent sign that more can be done to help advance women in key leadership roles. Still, the number of women who believe they have made significant progress in manufacturing has nearly doubled in the last three years – up from 17% in 2020 to more than 30% today.

“While we are pleased to see the continued optimism from women in the manufacturing sector, the fact that actual representation has remained largely unchanged in all levels of the industry shows that more needs to be done to ensure inclusion and proper representation,” said Kathy Mayerhofer, Xometry’s chief sales officer. “The manufacturing industry of today is more high-tech and offers more leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities than ever, and we’d like to bring more women into an industry that is so pivotal to our global economy.”

“It is so encouraging to see that more than 8 in 10 respondents to this year’s survey would recommend a career in manufacturing. We know that careers in this industry deliver powerful opportunities for individual advancement, fulfillment and prosperity and we are hopeful that the continued efforts of our members and industry to highlight modern manufacturing will recruit even more individuals into it,” said Allison Grealis, president and founder of WiM and the WiM Education Foundation.

“This report underscores a very clear takeaway: the time for action is now,” said Cathy Ma, vice president of growth marketing for Xometry’s Thomasnet. “We can and must take clear steps to affect actual and long-term change, to reposition manufacturing as a high-tech industry, to further support the women who are already working in industry, and to compel younger women to pursue educational and vocational opportunities in STEM.”

The survey also found the following:

• Manufacturing as a Career – An overwhelming majority of women (82%) are likely to recommend a career in manufacturing, up from 75% in 2021.
• STEM Programs for Workforce Development – For those intentionally seeking careers in the industry, 38% of women did so because they graduated from a STEM program, compared to just 18% of men. As manufacturing continues to drive innovation, emerging tech positions such as robotics and automation specialists, computer programmers, and smart systems integration technicians are in high demand.
• Women in Leadership by Sector – Agriculture (28%), electronics (27%), and environmental (27%) are the sectors leading the charge by having the highest percentage of female leadership in manufacturing.
• Most Desired Benefits – Health insurance (79%), flexible work schedule (72%), and 401(k) match (66%) are the most desired employee benefits.

Feedback from survey respondents reveal the unique ways in which companies are currently tackling how to bring more women into manufacturing:

• Education – “Make young women [aged] 15 to 25 aware of options and pay in manufacturing; K-12 educators know nothing of manufacturing, never talk about it, don't recommend it, and think it is dirty and dangerous.”
• Inclusivity – “Have a strong percentage of women at each level of ranking in the hierarchy. You see a strong showing in lower levels, but less and less as you rise, and even lower for minority women.”
• Retention & Company Culture – “More onsite options for women — childcare, nursing/pumping rooms, flexible time for doctors appointments, fertility coverage, parental leave, higher 401k match, equal pay.”

Xometry’s Thomas division, a leader in product sourcing, supplier selection, and marketing solutions for industry, partnered for a third year with Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) on the annual survey. The study was conducted online using Qualtrics over a 13-day period from March 1 to March 13, 2023. The research surveyed 1,170 North American suppliers and industry professionals who work at companies with revenues spanning from less than $1 million to more than $1 billion.

For more information, visit www.xometry.com.

February 2023 Orders Nearly 50% Above Average for February

New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $467.8 million in February 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. February 2023 orders were 33% above January 2023 and 1.6% below February 2022. Year-to-date orders for 2023 totaled $819.6 million, 10.7% below the first two months of 2022.

“This was the third-best February for manufacturing technology orders ever recorded, nearly 50% above the average value for February orders,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “Although many had anticipated a recession to take hold at the beginning of 2023, we are not yet seeing that in the data, and while declining somewhat, manufacturing technology orders remain at a historically elevated level.”

Job shops, which typically represent the largest share of orders in a given month, maintained their orders at nearly the same level as January 2023, but their overall activity is down compared to this time last year. Both January and February 2023 data has shown that an increasing share of orders for manufacturing technology goes to OEMs and industry-specific suppliers. Of particular note, the automotive sector, fabricated metal products manufacturers, and railroad, ship, and other transportation manufacturers significantly increased their orders in February 2023.

“In a typical year, we see a dramatic increase in orders between February and March, which exceeds 35% on average,” said Woods. “For most of March, news of Silicon Valley Bank’s failure and fears of tightening credit conditions dominated the economic conversation, which may affect March 2023 order activity. Despite these fears, surveys of manufacturers show a broadly positive outlook for business conditions over the next 12 months.”

For more information, visit www.amtonline.org or www.IMTS.com.