From Prototype to Production: Navigating Acceptable Deviation in AM

Thursday, April 16, 2026

12:30 PM - 1:20 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: SME Main Stage

Moderator(s)

Carl Dekker

President
Met-L-Flo Inc.

Panelist(s)

Brennon White

Technical Specialist, Product Applications, Advanced Mfg.
General Motors
Kevin L. Ayers

AM Consultant
3D Metal Konsulting
LJ Holmes, MS

Executive Director of Research and Engineering
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Chris Baschuk

Director of Clinical Services
Point Designs

As additive manufacturing (AM) transitions from prototyping to true serial production, one of the most pressing questions remains: What level of deviation is acceptable? This panel will explore how manufacturers define, manage, and mitigate dimensional, process, and materials variation when AM parts move into production environments.

Experts from across the AM ecosystem will discuss the interplay between design-for-AM principles, materials selection and performance, process capability, standards development, and qualification requirements. Panelists will share practical insights on whether to adapt the design to the process - or vice versa - and how tolerance decisions impact cost, quality, and scalability.

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of what “acceptable deviation” means in production-scale AM and its associated tooling, including how thoughtful materials and tolerance management can de-risk manufacturing, improve repeatability, and accelerate adoption across industries.