As I step into the role of chair of the Board for the Photopolymer Additive Manufacturing Alliance (PAMA), I find myself reflecting on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for both PAMA and the photopolymer additive manufacturing industry. It’s a transitional time in the 3D-printing sector, full of challenges and opportunities. I am both honored and humbled to lead PAMA into this next phase of growth and innovation.
First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to David Walker, Ph.D., for his outstanding leadership and continued support as Ex-Officio Chair. His dedication to the organization and vision for the future of photopolymer additive manufacturing have laid a strong foundation, and I am committed to building on the legacy he has created. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire PAMA leadership team, especially Incoming Chair Callie Higgins, Ph.D., for their continued support and collaboration. Together, we form a dedicated group of professionals who all are passionate about advancing this industry.
I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge the critical contributions of organizations and individuals who have been invaluable to PAMA’s success. RadTech, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gary Cohen and Mickey Fortune, among many others, have been instrumental in advancing our mission and ensuring the growth of the photopolymer additive manufacturing community. Their commitment and expertise continue to shape the path we are on, and I look forward to working even more closely with them as we move forward.
As I take the reins of PAMA, I want to share the vision for the future that we have been working on behind the scenes. Last fall, we held a strategic planning meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to map out the future of PAMA and the industry we serve. It was a critical step in ensuring that we are setting clear goals and objectives that not only benefit the photopolymer industry but also make PAMA a unique and indispensable force in the additive manufacturing space.
We know that the future of photopolymer additive manufacturing is bright, but to realize its full potential, we need a strong, well-developed foundation. That’s why, in addition to setting strategic goals, we actively are working on developing the foundational infrastructure that will allow PAMA to grow its organizational footprint. This expansion is crucial to our mission, as it will enable us to serve a broader community, engage with new industries and provide better resources for manufacturers, innovators and researchers.
Our mission at PAMA is simple but ambitious: To be a source of truth, provide reliable information, develop industry standards, and foster stakeholder collaboration. The key to achieving this mission is not just in creating awareness but in creating value. By building a strong network of collaborators, fostering innovation and advocating for sustainable practices, we can drive meaningful growth across industries like aerospace, automotive, healthcare and consumer goods.
The opportunity to serve as chair of the Board at PAMA is one that I take with great pride and responsibility. I am confident that with the continued support of our leadership team, our partners and the broader photopolymer additive manufacturing community, we will accomplish our goals and unlock even greater potential for this incredible industry. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and help shape a future that is not only innovative but sustainable and transformative.
I look forward to the journey ahead and to working with all of you to make that vision a reality.
Vince Anewenter
Director Rapid Prototyping Consortium,
Milwaukee School of Engineering
