ROCK HILL, SC, Aug 28, 2014 – 3D Systems and SME announced today the formation of an advisory board for its collaborative M.Lab21 Initiative, composed of founding members 3D Systems and SME and key collaborator, America Makes (the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute) as well as representatives and support from Intel, GE, Johnson Controls, Lockheed Martin, Deloitte and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The advisory committee will assist, support, provide leadership and advocate for the M.Lab21 initiative. Drawing on a wealth of expertise and resources, the advisory board will help shape this program and provide subject matter expertise and best practices as needed.
“We believe a culture of making, personal expression and innovation is essential to keeping the US on the leading edge of education and stimulating economic activity,” said Carlos Contreras, US education director, Intel. “Whether challenging people to think differently or providing the technologies that can bring ideas to life, Intel supports the maker movement to encourage innovation whether in classrooms, labs or garage workshops.”
M.Lab21 is a 21st Century Manufacturing Lab that will revolutionize high school industrial arts, career and technical education. Through the formation of this influential advisory board, 3DS and SME will create an integrated ecosystem of hardware, software and training programs that, together, can foster a new digital literacy and empower the next generation with digital craftsmanship skills.
Equipped with 3D scanning, development boards, design, prototyping, manufacturing and accompanying curriculum, participating schools will have the tools and resources to provide students with the necessary skills for the advanced manufacturing and design jobs of tomorrow. The advisory board will also leverage their own spheres of influence to help build communities of liked-minded organizations, schools and employers.
“M.Lab21 is the latest commitment we are making to deliver 21st century technology skills to students through our Make.Digital initiative,” said Leanne Gluck, director of social impact for 3DS. “Collaboratively, 3DS and SME invite teachers, educators, nonprofits and companies passionate about education, addressing the skills gap and advanced manufacturing workforce development to join our M.Lab21 initiative and help us drive innovation, technology and learning.”
“SME has been immersed in and supporting the additive manufacturing community for nearly 25 years, and working to accelerate the adoption of this technology across the manufacturing industry,” said Jeannine Kunz, managing director of workforce and education for SME. “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with these industry advisors to drive awareness and education of additive manufacturing in US high schools, and ultimately strengthen the next generation of the manufacturing workforce.”
Education inquiries can be made directly to either SME or 3DS.
Learn more about 3DS’ commitment to manufacturing the future today at www.3dsystems.com.
About 3D Systems
3D Systems is pioneering 3D printing for everyone. 3DS provides the most advanced and comprehensive 3D design-to-manufacturing solutions including 3D printers, print materials and cloud sourced custom parts. Its powerful digital thread empowers professionals and consumers everywhere to bring their ideas to life in material choices including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. 3DS’ leading healthcare solutions include integrated 3D planning and printing for personalized surgery and patient specific medical and dental devices. Its democratized 3D design and inspection products embody the latest perceptual, capture and touch technology. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods with improved results and reduced time to outcomes. These solutions are used to rapidly design, create, communicate, plan, guide, prototype or produce functional parts, devices and assemblies, empowering customers to manufacture the future.
About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to advancing manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for industry. Follow @sme_mfg on Twitter or facebook.com/smemfg.