#United States #America Makes #YBI #Last Tactical Mile #Tallmadge

America Makes and YBI Conclude Last Tactical Mile Seminar Series with New Webinar Launch

In a significant development for the metal casting industry, America Makes, in collaboration with YBI (formerly Youngstown Business Incubator), has announced the final session of its Last Tactical Mile (LTM) Seminar Series. Scheduled for October 14, 2026, in Tallmadge, Ohio, this final in-person event showcases the growing importance of additive manufacturing techniques in metal casting. Following this session, the series will also introduce an on-demand Lunch 'n Learn webinar series for broader accessibility.

Final In-Person Seminar

The LTM Seminar Series has been a pioneering initiative that provides in-depth knowledge on state-of-the-art topics, including 3D sand printing design, material science, equipment maintenance, and optimal printer settings. With sessions successfully held in over eight locations nationwide, these seminars have catered to a diverse audience including foundry technical staff, procurement professionals, engineering students, and government engineers. Attendees who participate in the October session will earn seven Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) as well.

Attending the final session is free, with lunch provided, and participants are encouraged to join a networking dinner that follows an exclusive printer OEM tour. Registration is easily accessible via Eventbrite, demonstrating the commitment of America Makes and YBI to facilitate knowledge sharing across the industry. Register here.

Importance of Additive Manufacturing

As the casting sector faces increasing demands for agility and operational efficiency, the role of additive manufacturing in reducing lead times and enabling the production of complex components has become paramount. Brittany Engel, Engineering Project Manager at YBI, stated, “The ‘Last Tactical Mile Seminar Series for Additive Manufacturing in Metal Casting’ aims to educate foundry professionals on integrating new technologies in their workflows. Our sessions have fostered significant collaboration, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

In light of today's manufacturing challenges, the ability to cast intricate parts without excessive waste and meet the high standards of dimensional tolerance has never been more critical. Jerry Thiel from Precision Casting Technologies highlighted that “the information shared during these seminars is unique and not available elsewhere,” making it a valuable opportunity for all attendees, regardless of experience level.

Webinar Series Launch

Complementing the final seminar, America Makes and YBI have launched the Last Tactical Mile Impact 2.0 Lunch 'n Learn Webinar Series. This online resource features recorded sessions from the in-person seminars held between April and July 2026. The content is designed to equip foundries, OEMs, and supply chain partners with contemporary insights into advanced manufacturing practices. Topics covered include hybrid tooling, materials innovation, and the latest trends affecting OEM expectations.

The transition to on-demand learning is a strategic move to ensure industry professionals can access essential knowledge at their convenience. The webinars focus on actionable information that can be directly applied in operational contexts. Available on YouTube, these sessions enhance the learning experience by allowing viewers to absorb the material at their own pace.

Key Takeaways and Featured Experts

The discussions within the webinars include:

• - OEM Perspective: Understanding the expectations manufacturers have for adopting new technologies.
• - Mold Design Applications: Tips on integrating additive manufacturing into mold design practices.
• - Material Utilization: Insights into current materials and what the future holds.
• - Large Format Operations: Best practices for optimizing usage of large-format printers.
• - Future Technologies: Exploration of upcoming advancements in manufacturing.
• - Strategies for Change: Emphasizing resilience and innovation within the metal casting field.

Among the expert speakers contributing to this initiative are Dr. Nathaniel Bryant from the University of Northern Iowa, Dr. Jason Walker from Ohio State University, and numerous other industry leaders who bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront of these discussions.

Conclusion

With the seminar series drawing to a close and a comprehensive on-demand webinar series launching, both America Makes and YBI are committed to enhancing the educational landscape for metal casting and additive manufacturing professionals. This proactive approach not only enriches understanding but also fosters a community of shared knowledge that is vital for the advancement of the industry as a whole. As the final session approaches, there is no better time for professionals in the field to engage and benefit from these unique learning opportunities—both in-person and online.