Building on the success of last year’s co-location, America Makes and SME will once again bring together leaders from industry, academia, and government in a single venue. This continued partnership strengthens collaboration, increases stakeholder value, and accelerates the advancement of AM technologies.

YOUNGSTOWN, OH — America Makes, the nation's leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing (AM) technology and education, announced that its 2026 Additive in Steel Competition will take place April 15 in Boston, MA, during its spring Technical Review and Exchange (TRX), co-located with RAPID + TCT 2026. TRX will be held April 14-16 alongside RAPID + TCT, North America's largest AM and industrial 3D printing event.

Building on the success of last year's co-location, America Makes and SME will once again bring together leaders from industry, academia, and government in a single venue. This continued partnership strengthens collaboration, increases stakeholder value, and accelerates the advancement of AM technologies.

The 2026 Additive in Steel Competition also reinforces America Makes' commitment to developing the next generation of AM talent. Expanding on the 2025 challenge, the competition invites university student teams to design and fabricate a functional everyday carry (EDC) multi-tool using steel-based metal AM. Teams are encouraged to engage with first responders, military personnel, and other service professionals to inform designs that address real-world operational needs.

The concept of the multi-tool dates to ancient times, with the earliest known example being a Roman folding utensil from around 200-300 CE. Modern multi-tools, such as the iconic Swiss Army Knife, emerged in the late 19th century, revolutionizing portable utility with their multifunctional design.

"Inspiring the next generation to explore the potential of additive manufacturing is critical to our industry's future," said Ben DiMarco, Technology Transition Director at America Makes. "This competition is a launchpad for young innovators to push boundaries, build real-world skills, collaborate, and redefine what's possible."

Competition timeline:

Proposed team and preliminary plan due: February 13
"Virtual Meet the Judges" (Invitation will be sent): March 10 at 4 p.m., ET
Final submissions of multi-tool, technical report, and project video: April 1
Performance testing and awards presentation: April 15
Three awards are anticipated, along with two honorable mentions for teams completing all phases of the project, from design to final testing. All required project components must be submitted.