CECIMO Conference
CECIMO Conference
CECIMO, the European Association of the Machine Tool Industry, has signed an agreement with the European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA) to promote additive manufacturing (AM).
As AM continues the transition from rapid prototyping solution to volume manufacturing method, the two organisations have committed to working together to support Europe’s industry from one application of 3D printing to the other. They have agreed to share information on advocacy activities in AM to better coordinate their own actions, and have a greater influence on the users of 3D printing technology. The pair will also explore opportunities on EU project proposals.
CECIMO is the body conveying the concerns of the AM sector back to the EU authorities. Last summer, at the third annual Additive Manufacturing European Conference, CECIMO published the European Additive Manufacturing Strategy. In the report, CECIMO outlined several areas of focus which would contribute to reinstating Europe as the driving force behind AM technology.
It represents companies in the AM industry and engages with policy actors to outline policies, regulations, and business frameworks to promote the adoption of the technology. This includes developing AM standards within the remit of EU regulations, advising on AM priority research areas for the next EU budgetary programme, and overseeing the development of an AM curricula for educators. CECIMO also contributes to several EU projects, which seek to overcome regulatory barriers and address skills gaps and bottlenecks in training.
EPMA, meanwhile, has been working to increase the awareness of metal powder additive manufacturing technology, promoting the synergy in the metal AM community through research programmes and workshops. Through its European Additive Manufacturing Group (EuroAM) the EPMA has launched several initiatives including a flyer and a well-received Introduction to Additive Manufacturing brochure, the organisation of Metal AM Seminars, and the coordination of internal collaborative AM Projects such as the Quality Test for Selective Laser Melting Powder project. EPMA also organises a Metal AM technical programme within its annual international “Euro PM” Congress and Exhibition event. Additionally, EPMA participates in several European funded projects to represent Powder Metallurgy and support the Metal AM industry in its R&D effort.
