3-D Printing Specialists

Some 3-D printing specialists may be represented by the American Federation of Government Employees. Engineers may be members of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and other unions. Manufacturing technicians and equipment operators may be members of unions such as the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America or the United Steelworkers. The National Additive Manufacturing Association calls itself “the voice of 3-D printing.” It provides comprehensive information on additive manufacturing at its Web site. Some general engineering and computer science associations have sections or communities that focus on 3-D printing. For example, SME (formerly known as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers) has an Additive Manufacturing Community.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is a North American trade association with more than 1,000 member companies, representing more than 200 product lines. It provides statistics on manufacturing and information about 3-D printing.