Stratasys Highlights 3D Printing on Capitol Hill With Discussion and Demos

On October 16, the new golden child of technology was fêted on Capitol Hill by Stratasys, 3D printing experts, and a wide turnout of event goers from Congress and administration. Many other industry enthusiasts and think tank executives attended the showcase as well.

The conversation and main discussion encasing the event, hosted by Stratasys, revolved around the advent of 3D printing and how it is transforming manufacturing, sweeping change through a number of industries, and paving the path for “changing the way companies bring products to market through on-demand production of parts and production tools.”

Drawing people out of their offices and away from their desks to take time out for an event to hear about and have a discourse on the subject allowed over 100 event goers to learn and share, and consider the impact 3D printing technology is having on industries including:

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Medicine
• Consumer products

Stratasys is a company known for having true passion for their products and services, and this was demonstrated at the event as they interacted with participants and were able to show off and allow hands-on demonstrations of their 3D products. Stratasys was able to show off capabilities of the Fortus and Objet Connex, as well as “demonstrating applications from prototyping, tooling, jigs and fixtures, and parts used by manufacturers.”

Stratasys is an undisputed innovator and leader, so there couldn’t have been a more perfect representative of the 3D printing industry to go to Washington, D.C. As a manufacturer of 3D printing equipment and materials, their voluminous catalog of products ranges from more affordable desktop 3D printers to complex production systems. Stratasys is also widely known as the parent company of MakerBot, manufacturer of the company’s prosumer desktop 3D printers in Brooklyn, New York. MakerBot also oversees the enormously popular Thingiverse design-sharing community. Manufacturers, educators, designers, artists, and hobbyists alike use products and services provided by Stratasys.

The 3D printing industry has been widely hailed as a positive element by the ‘powers that be’ in Washington, as a catalyst for massive change and progress in manufacturing. The innovative technology also has played a part in the push for strengthening STEM education, as the country and world need more young people to get interested in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing — and to be there to fill the jobs that are opening up faster than can be filled.

According to Stratasys, “attendees at the Capitol Hill event walked away with a much deeper understanding of how additive manufacturing is being used today to reshape how many manufacturers are bringing products to market faster and more cost-effectively.”

Have you been to any recent events that showcased 3D printing? Share your thoughts with us in the Stratasys Highlights 3D Printing forum at 3DPB.com.