ASI Dallas 2018 was a landmark event in the additive manufacturing industry, drawing together engineers, designers, and executives to explore the latest advances in 3D printing technology. The conference showcased practical applications, supply chain insights, and policy discussions that shaped the trajectory of industrial 3D printing in North America.
The two-day program combined technical presentations with networking opportunities, highlighting how Dallas positioned itself as a hub for innovation in materials, processes, and commercial deployment. This structured overview captures the core schedule, featured speakers, and thematic pillars of the 2018 edition.
| Event Track | Key Themes | Featured Speakers | Industry Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial 3D Printing | Process scaling, quality control, automation | Corporate R&D leads | Aerospace, automotive, medical |
| Materials Innovation | Polymers, metals, composites, recyclability | Materials scientists | Production-grade materials |
| Design & Simulation | Topology optimization, DfAM, validation | Design engineers | Product development |
| Policy & Supply Chain | Standards, IP protection, logistics | Industry analysts, regulators | Enterprise adoption |
Industrial 3D Printing Strategies
Sessions in this track examined how companies moved from pilot projects to production-scale metal and polymer additive manufacturing. Participants explored practical pathways for process validation, repeatability, and integration with existing manufacturing systems.
Scaling Production Challenges
Speakers detailed bottlenecks in throughput, post-processing automation, and in-line inspection, emphasizing how tooling and workflow redesign could unlock higher volumes without sacrificing quality.
Case Studies from Core Industries
Real-world examples from aerospace, automotive, and medical device sectors illustrated how part consolidation, lightweighting, and customized components translated into measurable cost and lead-time benefits.
Materials Innovation and Performance
The materials stream focused on advances in polymer formulations, metal powders, and composite binders that directly influenced mechanical properties, surface finish, and regulatory compliance.
Material Qualification Protocols
Attendees learned about test plans, statistical process control, and certification strategies required to meet aerospace and medical standards, helping reduce qualification cycles for new materials.
Sustainability and Circular Design
Discussion highlighted recycled feedstocks, energy-efficient processing, and end-of-life strategies, aligning technical choices with corporate sustainability goals and regulatory expectations.
Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
This segment provided actionable guidance on leveraging AM-specific design rules, simulation tools, and multidisciplinary collaboration to unlock performance that traditional methods could not achieve.
Topology Optimization Workflows
Participants explored how to translate system-level loads into optimized geometries, balancing manufacturability, weight, and structural integrity for real-world applications.
Generative Design and Validation
The session covered integrating generative design with simulation, build preparation, and in-process monitoring, ensuring that innovative designs could be reliably produced at scale.
Policy, Standards, and Enterprise Adoption
Leaders examined the evolving regulatory landscape, intellectual property considerations, and procurement strategies that influence enterprise investment in additive manufacturing.
Regulatory Clarity and Data Security
Panels addressed medical device approvals, data integrity requirements, and certification pathways, helping organizations navigate compliance while accelerating time to market.
Building Resilient Supply Chains
Speakers shared strategies for localizing production, reducing dependency on traditional tooling, and creating flexible networks capable of responding to demand volatility and disruption.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Develop a clear scaling strategy that aligns process capability with production targets.
- Invest in materials qualification and in-process monitoring to reduce variability and accelerate certification.
- Leverage DfAM and simulation to realize part consolidation, weight savings, and performance gains.
- Build resilient, flexible supply chains that combine in-house expertise with trusted partner networks.
- Align internal policies, data governance, and IP protection frameworks with enterprise adoption goals.
FAQ
Reader questions
What were the main objectives of ASI Dallas 2018?
To advance industrial 3D printing adoption by aligning process know-how, materials development, design practices, and policy guidance across key sectors.
Which industries were highlighted at the event?
Aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and industrial equipment were the primary focus areas, with tailored sessions addressing their specific requirements.
How did the conference address sustainability concerns?
Through dedicated tracks on recyclable materials, energy-efficient processing, and circular design principles that support long-term environmental and business goals.
What practical outcomes did attendees gain from ASI Dallas 2018?
Participants left with actionable roadmaps for scaling additive manufacturing, qualifying new materials, integrating DfAM, and strengthening supply chain resilience.