The new Additive Manufacturing Certificate Program is managed by SME (formerly the Society of Manufacturing Engineers).

BLUE MOUNDS, Wis., April 20, 2015 -- Midwest Prototyping, a full-service 3D printing/additive manufacturing provider, has become the first company in the 3D printing industry to provide the SME Additive Manufacturing Certificate Program to its entire staff. In October of 2014, Midwest Prototyping hosted multiple sessions of the review course and exam at its headquarters in Blue Mounds. In addition to its own personnel, several local customers and users of additive technologies were invited to share in the experience.

The new Additive Manufacturing Certificate Program is managed by SME (formerly the Society of Manufacturing Engineers). The coursework and exam were developed by a board of advisors established by SME, the Milwaukee School of Engineering and America Makes.

"We've been in this business over 14 years, and it's great to finally see all of this collective knowledge and experience being distilled into a resource for everyone," said Midwest Prototyping Founder and President Steve Grundahl. "We applaud SME for taking the lead on this initiative. As I came to understand the depth of the program, it became clear this was another way to educate our staff and ensure that we are up-to-date on the latest technologies and processes."

Midwest Prototyping offered the program to all employees, regardless of tenure or position, and is currently planning to offer the certificate program and testing at its facility again this June. New staff members, as well as other local customers interested in earning the certificate, will once again be invited to participate. Midwest Prototyping intends to institute the program as a regular part of its commitment to additive manufacturing education.

"In this ever-changing additive manufacturing environment, our clients are always interested in the best technology or process for their application," stated Mike Roosa, Midwest's business and application director. "This training brings the entire company to a new level. Sharing the knowledge and understanding of all the additive manufacturing options available brings added value to our clients."

About Midwest Prototyping
As one of the largest independent service bureaus, Midwest Prototyping offers multiple additive technologies for both prototyping and production, full finishing capabilities, an extensive urethane casting shop and CNC machining, all in-house at its location just west of Madison, Wisconsin.