America Makes announces 2026 Steel AM Competition at RAPID + TCT
America Makes, Youngstown, Ohio, has announced that its 2026 Additive in Steel Competition will take place April 15 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, during its spring Technical Review and Exchange (TRX), co-located with RAPID + TCT 2026. TRX is scheduled to take place from April 14–16 alongside RAPID + TCT.
Building on the success of last year’s co-located event, 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 is also said to reinforce America Makes’ commitment to developing the next generation of AM talent. 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 Swiss Army Knife, emerged in the late 19th century, revolutionising portable utility with their multifunctional design.
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“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.”
The proposed team and preliminary plan are due February 13 with final submissions of multi-tool, technical report, and project videos due April 1. Three awards are anticipated, along with two honourable mentions for teams completing all phases of the project, from design to final testing.
Those interested can register for the competition here.
