First Canadian named president of Additive Manufacturing Users Group

Mark Barfoot, managing director of Hyphen, a rapid prototyping and environmental testing facility, was appointed president of the 2014-2015 board of the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG). A Canadian, Barfoot is the first international board member to hold the president’s title for the U.S.-based association.

“I am honoured to be appointed president of the Additive Manufacturing Users Group board, and I look forward to furthering the awareness of the only user group association dedicated to the ongoing education and training of additive manufacturing and 3D printing practitioners,” said Barfoot.

AMUG is an independent, all-volunteer association that works closely with industry professionals, OEMs and vendors to educate and advance the uses and applications of additive manufacturing technologies.

“It is exciting to serve as president of an association that brings together beginners to advanced users of additive manufacturing from all over the world. More eyes are focused on additive manufacturing and 3D printing than ever before, which is generating enthusiasm and collaboration between traditional manufacturing and additive manufacturing industries. This is a game-changing time for Hyphen, AMUG and the additive manufacturing industry as a whole,” said Barfoot.

As part of Barfoot’s accountabilities as incoming president of AMUG, he will have oversight of the board’s activities and planning in preparation for the 2015 AMUG conference taking place at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Jacksonville, Fla., April 19-23, 2015. The 2015 AMUG conference will offer four full days of hands-on training, educational classes and technical presentations from industry experts, OEMs and vendors, as well as a two-day exhibitors’ expo, technical competition and awards banquet.

In addition to being appointed AMUG president, Barfoot was also the recipient of a Distinguished Innovator Operator (DINO) award at the 2014 AMUG conference in Tucson, Ariz., April 6-11. The award recognizes individuals for their contributions to, and years of experience within, the additive manufacturing industry.

Barfoot was instrumental in bringing additive manufacturing to Christie and building its in-house capabilities before launching Hyphen in October 2012. He has led the Hyphen team in innovation and growth, and has contributed as a volunteer and presenter for AMUG, serving to elevate the profile of additive manufacturing across North America. As a division of Christie, Hyphen now operates a comprehensive rapid prototyping and environmental testing facility that is open to the public, with all services under one roof.