Steve Plumb

4 weeks ago | advancedmanufacturing.org | Steve Plumb

While some large organizations already benefit from such technologies, others are just starting their journeys. Regardless, the coming years promise an unprecedented transformation for manufacturers of all sizes. Are you seeing increased demand for more technologically advanced manufacturing equipment? If so, in which areas? Amanda Hunt, America’s sales manager for Visual Components Oy: Yes, businesses are trying to accomplish more with less time and people.

1 month ago | advancedmanufacturing.org | Steve Plumb

The June edition of Smart Shop Essentials is all about being better (but not necessarily best). In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Steve Plumb speaks with Lead Contributing Editor Amy Bryson and Contributing Editor Kip Hanson the latest issue, how the word “premium” is synonymous with better—and why being frugal could end up costing big bucks during machining operations.

2 months ago | advancedmanufacturing.org | Steve Plumb

Your browser does not support the audio element. RAPID + TCT 2025, North America’s largest and most influential additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event, once again brought together the brightest minds in AM. In this episode of Advanced Manufacturing Now, the SME Media editorial team get together to share the most noteworthy insights they discovered on the show floor this year.

2 months ago | advancedmanufacturing.org | Steve Plumb

Despite some ongoing challenges, including supply chain and workforce concerns, the aerospace and defense (A&D) industries have fully recovered from the downturns they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the defense side, continued geopolitical tensions, led by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict, has fueled a jump in defense spending in recent years.

Mar 28, 2025 | advancedmanufacturing.org | Steve Plumb

Dr. Deb Volzer wants to change the narrative around manufacturing career opportunities. She spearheaded the development of SME’s Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC) with the express purpose of raising enrollment by 1,000 individuals per year, per college in STEM and manufacturing related programs. As the program finishes its inaugural year, editor-in-chief Steve Plumb speaks with Deb about MI-WPC's key goals and milestones.