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Zuken Releases Harness Builder for E3.series 2026 for Wire Harness Manufacturing

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Nitin Patil
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Harness Builder for E3.series

WESTFORD, MA, USA and MUNICH, Germany, Apr 2, 2026—Zuken USA announced the release of Harness Builder 2026, the latest version of its wire harness manufacturing software. Designed for OEMs and harness shops alike, this release adds updates for estimating and quoting, bill of materials (BOM) management, build documentation, and shop-floor connected manufacturing.

Estimating and quoting with current BOM inputs

Harness Builder 2026 links the Cost Estimator to TrustedParts.com to access current component pricing and availability information. Users can automatically retrieve live cost and availability data and selected component details from the harness design BOM to support estimates and quoting workflows.

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Generate cost and labor estimates from design data with TrustedParts.com linkage in Cost Estimator.

“Harness teams shouldn’t have to chase pricing and availability across multiple sources just to build an estimate. Harness Builder 2026 brings current BOM inputs into the quoting workflow through TrustedParts.com integration, helping teams spend less time on data gathering and more time delivering quotes.”
— Paul Harvell, vice president of engineering, Zuken USA

DS-E3 integration for production BOM management

Harness Builder now integrates with DS-E3, Zuken’s electrical data management solution, to store and manage production BOM data. Teams can incorporate Harness Builder BOMs into DS-E3 document generation workflows and use structure-based filtering and where-used views to support traceability across the project.

Documentation updates for manufacturing packages

Harness Builder 2026 adds Connection Line Resize to adjust the thickness of connection lines to match the segment’s bundle diameter, providing clear visual guidance for technicians laying out wire on printed documentation.

The Wire Run List can now display wire seal attributes beyond the part number, allowing manufacturers to include additional information, such as supplier details, directly in production reports.

Connected manufacturing and equipment support

A new 4Wire CAO export supports MES connectivity with Komax, for data exchange between design output and wire processing equipment. The release also expands harness manufacturing automation and test equipment support including:

  • Support for MK and Weetech testers
  • Updated Cirris and Dynalab tester integrations
  • CMS interface for KM Digitech wire processing systems

“The 4Wire CAO export is a practical step toward connected manufacturing—supporting data exchange between design outputs, Komax MES and downstream wire processing. Combined with expanded tester integrations and KM Digitech support, this release gives manufacturers more options to align documentation, automation and test processes.”
— Bob Potock, vice president of marketing, Zuken USA

Weight planning within a system design

Sub-project Weight Estimate provides harness-level weight rollups within a complete system design package, helping engineering teams compare estimates against weight targets and share precise expectations with manufacturing.

Key Capabilities

  • TrustedParts.com linkage in Cost Estimator for current pricing and availability inputs.
  • DS-E3 integration to store and manage production BOM data and support document generation workflows
  • Connection Line Resize for clearer formboard documentation
  • 4Wire CAO to support Komax MES connectivity
  • Expanded tester/equipment support (MK, Weetech, Cirris, Dynalab; KM Digitech CMS)
  • Sub-project Weight Estimate for harness-level rollups and target comparisons

Availability

Harness Builder for E3.series 2026 is available in North America and Europe.

About Zuken

Zuken is a global software company delivering electrical and electronic design solutions. Founded in 1976, Zuken has a consistent track record of technology innovation and financial stability in the electronic and electrical design automation (EDA) industry. With its CR-8000 and E3.series product families, Zuken provides a robust lineup of system-level 2D/3D electrical and electronic toolsets complemented by comprehensive design data and configuration management capabilities.

Most recently, Zuken has embraced digital transformation and, more specifically, digital engineering as the way forward with its entry into the Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) industry. Today, Zuken delivers world-class design solutions combining MBSE products and services with a mature, proven electrical and electronic design suite to address the needs of a broad range of industries across the globe. For more information about the company and its products, visit www.zuken.com,  www.zuken.com/blog, or www.linkedin.com/company/zuken .

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Siemens sd17

Polymaker Webshop Now Ships Direct to Europe

By
Nitin Patil
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0
Polymaker Europe

CHANGSHU, China, Apr 2, 2026 – Polymaker, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-performance 3D printing filaments has officially launched its direct-to-consumer (DTC) webshop across six major European countries. Polymaker has been manufacturing best-in-class 3D printing filaments for over 14 years, trusted by makers and professionals worldwide. The company is focused on developing eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art materials that empower creators and reduce environmental impact.

This page covers everything you need to know about shopping directly from the Polymaker webshop in Europe, including benefits, product range, and business options for makers, engineers, and designers.

Whether you’re prototyping the next big product, running a design studio, or simply passionate about 3D printing, you can now order premium Polymaker 3d printer filament straight from the source with faster shipping, better pricing transparency, and full access to their complete materials portfolio. Polymaker’s webshop offers over 800 unique filaments and specialized 3D printing hardware.

Which Countries Can Now Shop Polymaker Direct?

As of March 23rd, 2026, Polymaker’s official webshop now ships directly to:

  • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
  • 🇫🇷 France
  • 🇩🇪 Germany
  • 🇵🇱 Poland
  • 🇨🇿 Czechia
  • 🇪🇸 Spain

This expansion marks a major step in Polymaker’s commitment to making world-class 3D printing materials accessible to Europe’s rapidly growing additive manufacturing community.

Why Buy Directly from Polymaker’s Webshop?

Shopping direct isn’t just convenient — it comes with real advantages:

  • Faster delivery times — orders ship more efficiently from a localized European operation, saving you valuable time and streamlining your workflow
  • Transparent pricing — no third-party markups or hidden distributor fees
  • First access to new products — be the first to get the latest filament releases and innovations
  • Direct customer support — get help straight from the team that knows the materials best

Polymaker also provides delivery protection for orders lost past their ‘Latest Delivery Date’ and issues refunds in such cases, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction.

As Wildrik Van Der Weiden, VP at Polymaker, put it: “Our mission has always been to empower creators with the highest quality materials and the best possible experience. Expanding our DTC webshop into key European markets allows us to connect more directly with our community and better serve their evolving needs.”

Explore the Full Polymaker 3D Printer Filament Range

Through the new European webshop, customers gain access to Polymaker’s entire product ecosystem, spanning three distinct product families:

  • Panchroma — Panchroma includes visual variety filaments such as matte, silk, galaxy, glow-in-the-dark, and dual-color co-extrusion.
  • Polymaker — Polymaker includes high-quality application driven materials like HT-PLA, PolyCast and TPU95.
  • Fiberon — Fiberon consist of fiber-reinforced materials designed for high-strength, high-heat applications.

Polymaker’s bestsellers include PLA Pro, PolyTerra PLA, PolyMax, and specialty nylon and carbon fiber options, which are popular choices for a wide range of users.

From standard PLA and PETG for beginners to advanced materials like nylon, and dissolvable PVA support filaments for professionals, the range covers every use case including prototyping, manufacturing, education, and creative design. Polymaker filaments are designed for default compatibility with most 3D printers, ensuring ease of use across different platforms. Understanding the properties of each filament such as strength, flexibility, and temperature resistance helps users select the right material for their specific application and storage needs.

Polymaker also focuses on sustainability by using plastic responsibly in their filaments and offering solutions to reduce plastic waste, such as reusable spools and eco-friendly material options.

Quality and Materials: What Sets Polymaker Apart

Commitment to Sustainability

Polymaker stands out in the 3D printing industry for its unwavering commitment to quality materials and eco-friendly innovation. At the heart of their product line is a dedication to sustainability, with many of their 3D printing filaments such as their popular PLA crafted from biodegradable resources like corn starch. This use of polylactic acid not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures that makers and professionals can choose materials that align with their values.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Despite the advanced technology and strict quality control that go into every spool, Polymaker’s regular price remains highly competitive. Each filament is processed using state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, resulting in consistent diameter, vibrant colours, and reliable performance across every print. Whether you’re working with standard PLA, durable ABS, or exploring flexible and matte finishes, you’ll find that Polymaker’s range is engineered to deliver exceptional results for any application.

Innovation and New Materials

Innovation is at the core of Polymaker’s philosophy. The company continually invests in research and development, introducing new materials and special effect filaments that expand what’s possible in 3D printing. From flexible filaments perfect for functional prototypes to matte options that offer a unique aesthetic, Polymaker gives makers and professionals the tools to bring any project to life.

Customer Support and Global Availability

Finding the right filament is easy, thanks to a wide selection of colours and diameters designed to match your printer and project requirements. Polymaker’s support team is always ready to assist, ensuring you get the most out of your 3D printing experience whether you’re in the USA, Canada, UK, or beyond. With global availability and free shipping on select orders, accessing quality materials has never been more convenient. Alternatively, customers can take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts to make their money go further.

Are You a Business? Polymaker Has a Wholesale Platform Too

Polymaker isn’t just catering to individual makers. EU-based businesses can now access a dedicated wholesale platform with competitive pricing tailored for VAT-registered companies.

Getting started is straightforward:

  1. Sign up directly at eu-wholesale.polymaker.com
  2. Submit your VAT registration details
  3. Polymaker’s team reviews and validates applications within 1–2 business days
  4. Once approved, you receive a confirmation email and can start placing orders immediately

⚠️ Note: The wholesale platform is exclusively available to businesses within the European Union. Companies outside the EU should contact orderdesk.eu@polymaker.com directly.

Shop now at shop.polymaker.com
EU wholesale registration: eu-wholesale.polymaker.com

About Polymaker

Founded with a mission to advance 3D printing through materials innovation, Polymaker operates manufacturing facilities in both the USA and China, serving customers across the globe. Their award-winning portfolio supports everyone from individual hobbyists to large-scale commercial enterprises and their work has even been featured on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, recognizing their impact on the global 3D printing industry. For more information, visit https://polymaker.com.

Nemetschek Group Partners with Pinnacle Infotech to Drive Digital Construction for Viksit Bharat 2047

By
Sachin R Nalawade
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0
PINNACLE MOU

March 30, 2026 – Nemetschek Group- India, a leading global provider of software solutions for the AEC industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pinnacle Infotech Solutions, a global leader in BIM, digital engineering, and construction technology services, to drive next-generation digital transformation across the Indian construction ecosystem.

This strategic alignment establishes a structured framework for collaboration aimed at integrating advanced software capabilities with engineering expertise, enabling scalable, technology-led transformation across the construction lifecycle. Both organisations will jointly explore opportunities to accelerate the adoption of open, collaborative digital workflows, enhance project delivery efficiency, and promote BIM-driven practices.

A key pillar of the collaboration will be the integration of all Nemetschek’s software brands like Bluebeam, ALLPLAN, Archicad, dTwin, etc within Pinnacle’s digital engineering services, creating a real-world validation environment for advanced construction technologies. This includes potential engagement in beta programs, innovation pilots, and enterprise-level deployments, particularly in emerging areas such as digital twins, artificial intelligence, and data-driven construction management.

PINNACLE MOU

Alok Sharma, Managing Director, Nemetschek Group – India, said,
“India and global construction markets are at a pivotal inflection point where digital adoption is no longer optional but mission-critical as we build on the foundation for Viksit Bharat 2047. This collaboration with Pinnacle Infotech is structured to move beyond conventional partnerships and build an execution-driven ecosystem that enables real-world application of advanced technologies. By aligning software innovation with engineering depth, we are positioning ourselves to accelerate industry-wide transformation and deliver measurable efficiency across project lifecycles.”

Bimal Patwari, President & CEO, Pinnacle Infotech Solutions, added,
“This partnership reflects a strategic shift towards integrated digital delivery in construction. As projects become increasingly complex and globally distributed, the need for interoperable, scalable, and intelligent solutions becomes imperative. Our collaboration with Nemetschek enables us to bridge the gap between technology and execution, while creating a robust platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and global market expansion.”

The MoU outlines multiple strategic focus areas including joint participation in industry forums, development of training and knowledge-sharing initiatives, and co-creation of solutions that strengthen digital capabilities within the AEC ecosystem. Additionally, Pinnacle is expected to act as a key ecosystem partner, enabling the deployment and validation of Nemetschek solutions across live project environments.

With a shared vision to shape a more connected, efficient, and technology-driven built environment, this partnership marks a significant step toward scaling digital construction adoption globally and reinforcing both organizations’ leadership in the evolving AEC landscape.

About the Nemetschek Group-

The Nemetschek Group is a leading global vertical software and AI provider driving the digital transformation of the AEC/O and media industries. With our deep domain expertise and intelligent, connected software solutions, we enable customers to turn data into real-time insights and smarter decisions throughout the entire lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure from ideation through planning, visualization, construction, operation, and renovation. Our AI-powered technologies and open standards approach boost productivity, collaboration, and sustainability for architects, engineers, contractors, building operators, and creative professionals. More than 7 million users worldwide rely on our customer-centric, human-led AI solutions. Founded by Professor Georg Nemetschek in 1963, today we employ over 4,000 experts globally and are ISO 27001-certified, underlining our strong commitment to data security and trustworthy digital innovation.

The Nemetschek Group, listed in the MDAX and TecDAX since 1999, achieved a revenue of EUR 1.19 billion and an EBITDA of EUR 371.1 million in 2025. 

nemetschek.com

Siemens Joins European Space Agency’s EPIC Program to Empower European Startups

By
Nitin Patil
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0
Siemens esa european space industry

MUNICH, Germany, Apr 1, 2026 – Siemens has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) by joining its Partnership Initiative for Commercialization (EPIC) program, offering new opportunities for startups coming out of ESA’s Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs). The aim is to support the industrialization and commercialization of space products and services, enabling startups to scale up globally while strengthening Europe’s position in the international space economy and fostering sustainable growth for the sector.

Siemens will provide industrial-grade, comprehensive digital twin capabilities and a fully digital engineering and simulation backbone for the European space industry along with access to mentors and experts in the field – all through a tailored Incubator Program Offer for the EPIC program’s startups. With Siemens Xcelerator, space tech startups will be able to design, simulate and validate complex systems in a virtual environment – transforming their engineering capabilities, accelerating their product development and enabling early successes and long-term scale. The initiative also includes opportunities for joint activities to increase visibility within the European space ecosystem.

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Siemens will provide industrial-grade, comprehensive digital twin capabilities and a fully digital engineering and simulation backbone for the European space industry along with access to mentors and experts in the field – all through a tailored Incubator Program Offer for the EPIC program’s startups

The ESA BICs operate across 37 centers in Europe and represent the largest network of incubators supporting space-related startups in Europe with the goal of supporting entrepreneurs and helping them to scale. To date, over 2,000 startups have benefited from the program. The Siemens offer will also be available to projects supported by the ESA Technology Brokers and ESA Phi-LabNET.

“As a leading provider of software for space initiatives, supporting emerging startups through our collaboration with the ESA is part of Siemens’ DNA. Europe does not lack ideas in space. It needs runways to take off at scale,” said Cedrik Neike, CEO of Digital Industries and Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG. “Together with ESA, we are shaping the future of spaceflight: we help startups scale faster and bring their technologies into industrial use. This strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty in the space industry.”

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Joana Kamenova, Commercialisation Officer and EPIC lead at ESA (left) and Yona Baskharoun, Global Industry Manager for SMB, Partners & Academia – Simulation & Test, Siemens Digital Industries Software (right) at the collaboration’s kick-off meeting in ESA ECSAT site.

“We welcome Siemens’ participation in the EPIC initiative and look forward to the value their technology and expertise will bring to our startup ecosystem,” said Geraldine Naja, director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, European Space Agency. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to foster innovation and support the growth of high-potential startups across Europe.”

To learn more about Siemens cooperation with ESA’s EPIC initiative and how the two organizations are supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs with a space-based business idea, visit https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/simcenter/siemens-simulation-esa-space-startups/

About Siemens AG

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. A leader in industrial AI, Siemens leverages its deep domain know-how to apply AI – including generative AI – to real-world applications, making AI accessible and impactful for customers across diverse industries. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably.

In fiscal 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €78.9 billion and net income of €10.4 billion. As of September 30, 2025, the company employed around 318,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

BMW Group Adopts PTC’s Codebeamer ALM for Next-Gen Digital Engineering

By
Nitin Patil
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0

BOSTON, MA, USA, Apr 1, 2026 – – PTC (NASDAQ: PTC) today announced that BMW Group, a global leader in premium automotive innovation, has successfully implemented PTC’s Codebeamer application lifecycle management (ALM) solution as the foundation for its next generation of digital engineering. This milestone reflects BMW’s move from fragmented legacy requirements management systems across hundreds of systems to a single unified data model within Codebeamer.

Generative ai collage photo of professional it specialist using
Generative AI collage photo of professional IT specialist using device writing code computer network maintenance.

Codebeamer now serves as an enterprise-wide solution for requirements management for the BMW Group. With one shared data model, Codebeamer offers consistent processes, stronger traceability, and digital continuity across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines. This unified environment provides the scalable foundation needed to enable integrated mechatronics development, more efficient collaboration with suppliers, and the adoption of BMW Group’s emerging AI-enabled engineering workflows.

“BMW is demonstrating what true digital engineering leadership looks like,” said Robert Dahdah, Chief Revenue Officer, PTC. “Centralizing requirements management on Codebeamer establishes a robust data foundation for integrated mechatronics and AI-driven engineering, supporting the future of automotive innovation.”

With Codebeamer and the rest of its portfolio, PTC is delivering on its vision for the Intelligent Product Lifecycle: enabling manufacturers and product companies to build a product data foundation in engineering, extend the value of that data across their enterprise, and power AI-driven transformation. Broader use of product data enables companies to bring higher quality products to market faster, better manage complexity, meet regulatory standards, and much more.

To learn more about Codebeamer, visit www.ptc.com/en/products/codebeamer 

About PTC

PTC (NASDAQ: PTC) is a global software company that enables manufacturers and product companies to digitally transform how they design, manufacture, and service the physical products that the world relies on. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, PTC employs over 7,000 people and supports more than 30,000 customers globally. For more information, visit www.ptc.com.

Valeo Inaugurates New Electric Powertrain Manufacturing Line in Pune

By
Sachin R Nalawade
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0
Valeo Pune 2026 March 1024x683

The state-of-the-art facility will manufacture highly integrated 3-in-1 e-Axles, strengthening localization and supporting India’s growing electric mobility ecosystem.

30 March 2026 – Pune, India – On Saturday, March 28, Valeo inaugurated a new state-of-the-art manufacturing line dedicated to electric powertrain systems at its Pune plant in the presence of Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited and  Xavier Dupont, Valeo Power Division CEO. 

Valeo has been selected by Mahindra to provide the electric powertrain of its new Born Electric platform. The Pune facility features highly advanced manufacturing capabilities to produce the  3-in-1 e-Axle integrating the motor, its inverter, and reducer into a compact and efficient system that will equip the new models. Developed and manufactured in India, this advanced e-Axle offers high efficiency, optimized performance, and enhanced reliability – key enablers for next-generation electric mobility. The integrated 3-in-1 eAxle leverages the latest iteration of Valeo’s motor technology.

Xavier Dupont, Valeo Power CEO, said:  

“India is a key region in Valeo’s ‘Elevate 2028’ strategic plan. Our investments in Pune  supports our commitment to deeper localization of advanced technologies in India. By localizing the production of our highly integrated 3-in-1 e-Axle systems, we are strengthening our ability to deliver advanced technologies to our customers and contributing to India’s transition towards safer, and more sustainable mobility.”

Jayakumar G, President of Valeo India said: 

“The inauguration of this line marks an important milestone in Valeo’s journey in India. Our new e-Axle manufacturing line in Pune is a key step in our growth strategy. It reflects our commitment to bringing advanced technology solutions closer to our customers. We are proud to develop and manufacture this e-Axle for Mahindra’s Born Electric Vehicles and to contribute to the growth of India’s EV ecosystem.“

Located at Valeo’s Pune plant in Lonikand, the facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing capabilities designed to deliver high levels of precision, efficiency and quality for electric powertrain systems. It includes automated manufacturing lines for U-Pin or Hairpin winding stator assembly, reducer assembly, inverter manufacturing, and final e-Axle assembly. These lines incorporate advanced automation, precision assembly processes, and rigorous quality control systems, supported by full digitalization and end-to-end traceability.

Valeo in India

Valeo has operated in India since 1997. The Group runs 6 production sites across Chennai, Pune, Sanand, and Gurgaon and global R&D Centres in Chennai and Bangalore. Valeo employs over 7,500 people in India, with over 50% engineers contributing to global research, development, and manufacturing activities.

About Valeo
Valeo is a leading global technology company creating innovative solutions and systems for automotive and technology partners worldwide. Valeo is structured around its POWER, BRAIN and LIGHT Divisions, and Valeo Service, the augmented service partner, for the aftermarket and new forms of mobility.
Valeo is committed to making mobility safer, more sustainable and affordable to all. The Group is playing a vital role in shaping the Car of Tomorrow: which will be electrified, safer and software-defined. Valeo is leveraging its global industrial footprint and its technological leadership in electrification, advanced driver assistance systems, lighting and software to capture an increasing share of value per vehicle.
Valeo is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.
Valeo in brief: €20.9 billion in sales in 2025 | 100,000 employees worldwide | 29 countries | 149 production plants | 59 R&D centers | 19 distribution platforms (as of February 26, 2026).
Learn more at www.valeo.com

AMGTA Elevates MTDG to Principal Member, Adds Dean Bartles to its Board

By
Nitin Patil
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0
AMGTA

HOLLYWOOD, FL, USA, Apr 1, 2026 – The Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA) announced that Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group (MTDG) has elevated its participation from Participating Member to Principal Member. As part of this expanded leadership role, Dean Bartles, Ph.D., CEO of MTDG has joined the AMGTA Board of Directors.

Dean Bartles
Dean Bartles, CEO, Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group (MTDG).

Principal Membership represents AMGTA’s highest level of engagement and is reserved for organizations demonstrating sustained leadership, strategic alignment, and a commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient manufacturing practices globally. As a Principal Member, MTDG will take on an expanded role in shaping AMGTA’s strategic direction, governance, and industry collaboration initiatives.

Dean Bartles brings decades of leadership across advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and industrial transformation. While widely recognized for his deep expertise in additive manufacturing, Bartles’ experience extends across the broader advanced manufacturing ecosystem – providing critical perspective on how additive technologies integrate into larger production systems and economic strategies.

“Dean brings an exceptional combination of technical depth and ecosystem-level perspective,” said Sherri Monroe, Executive Director of AMGTA. “Additive manufacturing does not operate in isolation – it is part of a broader advanced manufacturing landscape. Dean understands that integration, and his insight will strengthen our ability to advance sustainability conversations that are both ambitious and grounded in industrial reality.”

AMGTA is the only independent, global organization bringing together companies across the manufacturing ecosystem to elevate and advance the conversation around 3D printing and additive manufacturing practices for improved environmental, economic, and resource-efficient outcomes. In an increasingly volatile and uncertain business climate, commercial 3D printing and additive practices are being adopted as critical technologies – supporting everything from new product design to reducing standing inventory costs and obsolescence.

Additive manufacturing technologies are now present across a wide range of applications, from medical implants and consumer electronics to aerospace, industrial products, and defense. Collectively referred to as additive manufacturing or AM, these technologies are enabling businesses to be more responsive, innovative, economically viable, and sustainable. Today – and increasingly in the future – the unique capabilities enabled by commercial 3D printing and additive practices are fundamentally changing how organizations compete and succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy.

“AMGTA’s mission sits at the intersection of innovation and responsibility,” said Brian Neff, Chair of the AMGTA Board of Directors. “Dean’s leadership experience across advanced manufacturing strengthens our Board at a strategic level. His ability to connect additive technologies to broader industrial transformation efforts will be invaluable as we guide AMGTA’s next phase of impact.”

“Additive manufacturing is a transformative capability within advanced manufacturing,” said Dean Bartles, CEO of MTDG. “I am honored to join the AMGTA Board and support its work in advancing sustainable, economically viable manufacturing practices. The industry has an opportunity – and responsibility – to ensure that additive technologies contribute meaningfully to long-term resilience and competitiveness.”

Dean Bartles’ appointment is effective February 1, 2026.

About Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA)

AMGTA is a global trade association dedicated to advancing sustainable, resilient, and economically viable manufacturing through additive technologies. Through collaboration, data-driven insights, and industry leadership, AMGTA supports manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders worldwide in accelerating responsible adoption of additive manufacturing. For more information, visit https://amgta.org.

America Makes, NCDMM Announce Two New Project Calls of $14.5 Million

By
Nitin Patil
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0

YOUNGSTOWN, OH, USA, Apr 1, 2026 — America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) announced two new project calls worth a combined $14.5M. Both are funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD ManTech).

The first project call, Delta Qual 2.0, is worth $9M in funding and addresses key additive manufacturing (AM) qualification challenges across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by streamlining testing requirements, strengthening machine installation standards, and increasing flexibility for processing parameters. These advancements support the Department of War’s (DoW) objectives to deploy reliable, cost-effective, and scalable advanced manufacturing solutions for national security.

“Modernizing qualification for advanced manufacturing is essential to maintaining our defense readiness,” said John Martin, Additive Manufacturing Research Director at America Makes. “This project lays the groundwork for a more agile, trusted, and scalable manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring we can deliver mission-critical parts faster and with greater confidence for decades to come.”

Proposed efforts are expected to deliver actionable insights that reduce technical and industrial risk while enabling realistic transition pathways. Collectively, the outcomes are intended to provide mutual value to the DoW and Organic Industrial Base (OIB).

The Delta Qual 2.0 project call encompasses three topic areas, including:

  • Topic 1: Quantitative Measurement-Based Installation Qualification – Establish enhanced measurement, calibration, and maintenance procedures for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) subsystems to create a robust machine performance baseline that enables event-based requalification with little to no mechanical testing.
  • Topic 2: Bracketed Qualification for LPBF – Establish a qualification framework with defined process bounds, allowing parameter variation within those limits without requiring requalification, enabling advanced, variable toolpath strategies.
  • Topic 3: Red Team – Develop a “Red Team” of industry, academia, and government subject matter experts (SMEs) and stakeholders to advise the teams funded under Topics 1 and 2 and facilitate the transition of the work performed under those areas into industry.

The second project call, Generation Of Technical-data for High-strength Aluminum Alloy Material (GOTHAAM), is worth $5.5M in funding and focuses on developing material allowables for a high-strength, 7075-T73-equivalent aluminum alloy across three classes of LPBF AM systems, enabling scalable production on small, medium, and large-format printers. By delivering a corrosion-resistant, aerospace-grade alloy with broad defense and commercial applications, the effort is positioned to generate a strong return on investment for original equipment manufacturers and OIB as it transitions into qualified production.

This project builds on previous efforts, including Joint Metal Additive Database Definition (JMADD) and Generation of Additive Material Allowables for Ti-6Al-4V (GAMAT), by targeting the qualification of a high-strength, 7075-equivalent aluminum alloy for AM. Using large-format, multi-laser LPBF systems, the effort aims to deliver robust material data supporting durable, corrosion-resistant components for critical defense applications.

A key priority is characterizing environmental durability, intergranular corrosion resistance, stress-corrosion cracking behavior, and fatigue-crack growth performance, to ensure the alloy can support long-life, high-strength structural applications. Establishing these data-driven attributes will enable future assessments of fracture toughness and damage tolerance, supporting the transition of a matured LPBF aluminum alloy into critical defense platforms.

“Qualifying advanced AM materials like this alloy directly strengthens the Defense Industrial Base,” said Martin. “By delivering validated data and maturing LPBF capability, we’re giving U.S. manufacturers what they need to produce reliable components for critical defense systems.”

The GOTHAAM project will consist of two phases. Phase 0 will develop a process control document (PCD) and a preliminary qualification dataset to be used in subsequent phases.

  • Phase 0: Establish baseline feedstock, process, and material requirements to enable qualification.
  • Phase 1: Based on the findings of Phase 0, generate MMPDS-compliant material allowables by testing the Phase 0 process across small, medium, and large multi-laser LPBF machines to confirm scalable performance and machine-to-machine equivalency for defense use.

Project call timeline:

  • Launch: March 31
  • Kickoff Webinars:
    • Delta Qual 2.0: April 1 at 2 p.m. (Registration Required HERE)
    • GOTHAAM: April 1 at 3 p.m. (Registration Required HERE)
  • Submission Deadline:
    • Delta Qual 2.0: No later than 5 p.m. ET on June 2
    • GOTHAAM: No later than 5 p.m. ET on June 2

Proposers for the project calls are advised to reference the RFP for full details and guidelines.

  • Delta Qual 2.0: HERE
  • Generation Of Technical-data for High-strength Aluminum Alloy Material (GOTHAAM): HERE

About America Makes

America Makes is the nation’s leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing (AM) technology and education. America Makes members from industry, academia, government, workforce and economic development organizations, work together to accelerate the adoption of AM and the nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness. Founded in 2012 as the Department of Defense’s national manufacturing innovation institute for AM and first of the Manufacturing USA network, America Makes is based in Youngstown, Ohio, and managed by the not-for-profit National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM). For more information, visit americamakes.us.

John Fini to Succeed Brett Greenhalgh as President, KraussMaffei USA w.e.f. Jun 1, 2026

By
Nitin Patil
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Brett Greenhalgh John Fini

PARSDORF, Germany, Apr 1, 2026 – Brett Greenhalgh will step down at the end of May 2026 due to retirement, concluding his tenure as President of the U.S. subsidiary KraussMaffei Corporation (KMC).

Brett Greenhalgh, who has led KMC with steady guidance, has been a defining leadership figure within KraussMaffei over the past two years. He played a key role in preparing the US organization for the future by developing John Fini as a strong internal successor who could step into his role with continuity and a deep understanding of the business. 

Alex Li, CEO of KraussMaffei Group, emphasized this contribution, stating: “We thank Brett for his exceptional dedication and strategic foresight. Thanks to the early identification of John Fini as an internal successor, we can ensure seamless continuity in serving our customers with the reliability and quality they expect. The strong collaboration between our U.S. and European teams has been instrumental in advancing KMC’s success, and this partnership will remain a key pillar of our future development. While we regret Brett`s decision to step down, we fully respect and support his choice to pursue a personal mission close to his heart. We wish Brett and his wife all the very best for the years ahead.” 

“Krauss Maffei’s success has always been driven by its people, its technology, and its customers,” says Fini. “I’m honored to lead this organization and build on the strong foundation our teams have created together. I would like to thank Brett Greenhalgh for the coaching, guidance, and support as part of a thoughtful, long-term leadership transition designed to ensure continuity and sustained growth.” 

John Fini, currently Vice President Digital Solutions and Service North America and a member of the KraussMaffei Corporation leadership team since 2022, will assume the role of President of KMC on June 1st, 2026. 

Fini stands for a customer-first leadership philosophy shaped by hands-on operational experience. He has led large, multidisciplinary teams, strengthened service and aftermarket capabilities, and driven improvements in operational performance, employee engagement, and financial results. Prior to joining KraussMaffei in 2022, Fini built a track record of improving operational performance across manufacturing sites in Georgia, Florida, Texas and Los Angeles at Rehrig Pacific Company, a California based family-owned plastics manufacturing company and longtime customer of KraussMaffei. Originally from New York, John Fini holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UNC Charlotte in North Carolina.

About KraussMaffei – Pioneering Plastics

KraussMaffei is among the world’s leading manufacturers of machinery and systems for the production and processing of plastics and rubber. Our brand stands for cutting-edge technologies – for more than 185 years. Our range of services covers all areas of injection molding machinery, extrusion technology, reaction process machinery and automation. In 2022 we added additive manufacturing to our portfolio. This broad range of technologies gives KraussMaffei a unique selling point in the industry. With the high innovative power of our standardized and individual product, process, digital and service solutions, we can guarantee customers sustained additional value over the entire value-adding chain. Our range of products and services allow us to serve customers in many sectors including the automotive, packaging, medical and construction industries, as well as manufacturers of electrical and electronic products and household appliances.

KraussMaffei employs around 4.200 people all over the world. With more than 30 subsidiaries and over 10 production plants, as well as about 570 commercial and service partners, we are represented internationally close to our customers. The company was founded in 1838 in Munich. Today, KraussMaffei is part of Sinochem Holdings Corporation Ltd., one of the world’s leading chemical companies. For more information, visit www.kraussmaffei.com.

Tech Soft 3D Releases HOOPS AI Framework for CAD-based Machine Learning

By
Nitin Patil
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Techsoft3d2

BEND, OR, USA, Apr 1, 2026 – Tech Soft 3D, the world leader in providing engineering software development toolkits (SDKs), announces the full release of HOOPS AI,  the first framework purpose-built to unlock AI and machine learning for CAD data, following a successful beta program involving more than 30 companies. 

HOOPS AI is now available to the general public, ready to support developers and data scientists looking to integrate 3D engineering data into modern machine learning pipelines.  

Despite the transformative effect of machine learning technology on many industries, its ability to leverage CAD data has remained elusive. Existing tools rely on fragile workflows and improvised scripts, proving prohibitively expensive and time-consuming for most organizations. HOOPS AI provides the first framework to build machine learning models specifically with CAD data.  

First introduced in late 2025 as a technology preview, HOOPS AI has built on the feedback from companies across the engineering software ecosystem. This helped shape the framework’s workflow, tooling, and machine learning integrations, ensuring the official release meets the needs of both software vendors and engineering teams working with complex CAD datasets. 

Tech Soft 3D has processed more CAD data than any other CAD data access library provider, uniquely positioning them to develop and provide this technology. The company brings its decades of experience providing unrivaled CAD data access performance and accuracy to more than 750 partners, including Ansys, Siemens, Hexagon, the NVIDIA Omniverse, Unreal Engine, Unity 3D, and hundreds more. 

“The official launch of HOOPS AI marks an important step in Tech Soft 3D leading the effort to bring AI to engineering data,” said Gavin Bridgeman, CTO, Tech Soft 3D. “For the first time, developers have a framework designed specifically to make CAD data usable in modern machine learning workflows.” 

With this technology, Tech Soft 3D seeks to unleash the powerful combination of AI and CAD data for both its existing software vendor partners and the engineering industry as a whole.  

HOOPS AI Empowers Machine Learning for 2026 and Beyond 

HOOPS AI supports every aspect of the machine learning lifecycle, from CAD access, dataset preparation, optimized encoding, visualization, and scaling tools, and much more. Data scientists and developers can leverage this toolkit to build automated, intelligent experimentation systems that run hundreds or thousands of model variations, track results, and improve continuously. The result is a few engineers doing the work of a much larger team in weeks, rather than months.  

In practice, HOOPS AI enables developers to apply machine learning to CAD data for tasks like part classification, manufacturing feature detection, and similarity search across large design libraries. 

With its full launch, HOOPS AI will continue to develop and improve. The development team is looking to expand Python Access to more HOOPS Exchange-backed data, specifically targeting PMI. The long-term vision of the product aims to capture the expert engineering knowledge captured in CAD models and unlock it across teams. While current examples of HOOPS AI in action are trained on public datasets, the goal is to support workflows trained on a partner’s own private data, tailoring the machine learning program more closely to their needs.  

Explore the  HOOPS AI product page and contact Tech Soft 3D to learn more. 

About Tech Soft 3D 

Tech Soft 3D is the leading provider of engineering software development toolkits and industrial applications for CAD & CAE data conversion, visualization, and simulation. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Bend, Oregon, Tech Soft 3D has additional offices in the USA, France, England, Japan, Germany, and Norway. Tech Soft 3D is backed by investment firm Battery Ventures. For more information, please contact press@techsoft3d.com or visit www.techsoft3d.com. 

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