We made AM World Map!

The Atomic Layers: S7E28 (00206)

Atomic Layer of the Day:

Today, we have officially launched AM World Map—an extension of The 3D Printing World Guide, which presents all listed companies as independent profiles. The map is available here: AM-Writer.com/world

I would like to say that I am giving you a monumental work that my wife Anna and I have spent hundreds of working hours on. But the whole thing was created in a week.

The idea came up last week when I created an initial map design and a sample profile. This week, Anna transferred all 70 company profiles from World Guides into the new database, and I completed the mapping and built the search engine (I wrote about this in Notes).

And you know what? In terms of functionality, we surpass other similar projects in the AM sector. And this is just the beginning…

Colleagues from the Polish 3D printing industry remember this well—the rest of the world does not necessarily. So, I will tell and remind…

In 2014, we created the AM Companies Database on my former portal, Centrum Druku 3D. It included only companies from Poland, but it played a key role in the development of the 3D printing industry in the country. Every company entering the market started with a profile on Centrum Druku 3D. It was their "Hello, World!" moment.

But our platform was also very advanced in terms of functionality, thanks to a detailed search engine. Because the essence of any database is categorization and filtering—otherwise, it has no value.

That is why, in our new database—AM World Map, visual aspects took a backseat. What we focused on was categorizing each company and adding as many tags as possible, which we will later use for filtering.

And we have a lot of ideas…

• A heatmap showing the density of companies in a given region (e.g., how many companies specialize in SLA in Central and Eastern Europe).

• The concentration of distributors vs. manufacturers.

• Verification of companies based on ISO certifications, participation in trade shows, and customer reviews.

• The ability for verified users to add reviews and ratings.

• Badges for companies (AM Margin Masters!).

• The ability to publish job offers (I know this is not very relevant today because people are being laid off rather than hired, but in the future—who knows?).

• A Chrome and Edge plugin—by highlighting a company name on a third-party website, the user can check if the company is in the database, its business categories, available technologies, and products.

The best part is that the vast majority of these things are very easy for us to implement (meaning for me and my former IT colleagues, with whom I worked before 3D printing).

But before we start implementing all these things, I need to be sure that such functionality is actually useful to anyone.

That is why we are starting with a simple survey—let us know what you think. At the same time, feel free to leave comments with opinions about what has already been implemented and what could potentially be added.

Your feedback will be very valuable and appreciated.

Oh, and participation in AM World Map costs €25.

You know, when people pay—even a symbolic amount—they care a little more. I do not want to collect empty, inactive profiles. I want the data in the database to be real.

Apply here.

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Atomic Layer from the Past:

02-28-2023: 3dpbm (3D Printing Business Media) rebranded as VoxelMatters.

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Join AM World Map and fill your country or region with Additive Manufacturing!

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News & Gossip:

1. Stratasys has received its first EcoVadis certification, earning a Silver rating, placing it among the top 10% of companies in sustainability. The company’s “Mindful Manufacturing” strategy focuses on reducing its environmental footprint through efficient production, recyclable materials, and energy-optimized processes, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable additive manufacturing.
   
   I wonder if Bambu Lab also applied for EcoVadis?

2. UltiMaker launched the $500,000 MakerBot Gives Back Initiative to expand STEM education access for students, especially in underserved communities. The program provides 3D printers, training, and classroom resources. Through grants, partnerships, and scholarships, UltiMaker aims to equip educators with tools to integrate 3D printing into curricula, fostering innovation and design thinking.
   
   Clever. See if effective?

3. As Davide Sher reports, HBD has inaugurated a new advanced manufacturing facility in Guangdong, China, funded by a $60 million Series A investment. This site enhances metal 3D printing capabilities, supporting industries like aerospace and healthcare. With a focus on digitalization and sustainability, HBD aims to drive smart industry transformation and global additive manufacturing innovation. Visit VoxelMatters for photos…