Posts in Articles
Consortium Established to Accelerate Innovation in Electron Beam Technology

The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) has facilitated the formation of the Electron Beam Consortium (EBC), a new initiative to advance the development and industrialization of electron beam powder bed fusion technology. Integral to the launch of the EBC is the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by its founding members, which establishes the framework for collaboration to drive technological progress across industries that can benefit from electron beam solutions.

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The Barnes Global Advisors: Advancing AM Ecosystem Through Neighborhood 91 Initiative

As additive manufacturing (AM) continues to rapidly reshape the manufacturing landscape, one engineering firm has emerged as a leader in accelerating this transformation. The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA), based in Pittsburgh, PA, acts as the largest independent AM consultancy, providing specialized expertise across materials, systems, process economics, digital, supply chain, sustainability life cycle assessments, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing strategy.  

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The Power of A Process: Driving Operational Excellence

Nikki joined TBGA in 2023 to assist The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) team with project setup and process implementation. By 2024, she transitioned into a full-time role as Project & Accounting Manager, where she has been instrumental in driving growth across the business and financial operations. Today, Nikki serves as the Associate Director of Operations, overseeing and managing all aspects of the business operations.

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ArticlesAllie Kunkel
CCAT and TBGA Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Training in the Northeast

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology(CCAT) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) aimed to transform the training landscape across the Northeast. Together, CCAT and TBGA will develop robust training programs using the TBGA Additive Manufacturing Training. This initiative aims to deliver comprehensive TBGA Additive Manufacturing training across the region through 5-10 partner organizations.

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A Stroll through Neighborhood 91: The First 3D Printing Industrial Campus

Launched by Allegheny County Airport Authority, Neighborhood 91 (N91) is the world’s first dedicated additive manufacturing (AM) industrial campus. As such, it represents a unique step forward for the 3D printing industry. Situated near Pittsburgh International Airport, it unites every stage of the AM supply chain in one collaborative ecosystem. This initiative, built on Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage and technological strengths, is a testament to the region’s commitment to innovation and economic growth.

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Relational, Mission-Focused Ecosystems Are the Future of Resilient Manufacturing

“It’s not what you know – it’s who you know.” There is truth in that statement. Not in the cronyistic sense, but in a healthy way that helps us be more effective as designers and manufacturers. As I reflect on my first year at The Barnes Global Advisors and look back on my career, I see a common thread and theme that have driven my career; service to our nation, and building relationships and community for a common purpose.

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ArticlesAllie Kunkel
The Barnes Global Advisors Partners with BlueForge Alliance to Support the U.S. Maritime Industrial Base

In response to the urgent demand for maritime supply chain capability, capacity, and workforce development for the U.S. Navy, The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) and BlueForge Alliance (BFA) are collaborating to support the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program’s advanced manufacturing initiatives. This partnership will enhance advanced manufacturing strategy, qualification, and certification processes, and provide consultation on investment opportunities that strengthen the nation's maritime industrial base.

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From LEGO® Sets to NASA Standards and Beyond

From an early age growing up in south Chicago, Rick Russell was hooked on the space program. He was glued to the TV, watching the Apollo missions, building LEGO® rockets, and witnessing a man walking on the moon. Rick went to the University of Illinois on a scholarship from a steel mill and earned a BS in Metallurgical Engineering. But when all the steel jobs dried up due to the economy, he decided to continue his education, getting his MS degree at the University of Florida.

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Can I? Should I? Key Questions when Implementing Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are the focus of many industries due to the potential benefits they offer in areas such as weight reduction, sustainability benefits, lead time reductions, and cost savings. Despite this focus, there is still significant room for learning around the key questions of, “Can I make this from AM?” and “Should I make this from AM?”

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From Sunflower Fields to the Field of Advanced Manufacturing

No one grows up knowing they want to specialize in non-destructive testing of additive manufacturing. How could they? But from a young age, Erin knew she wanted to make things. She began a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design at the University of Kansas. She was drawn more to the technical side and pursued Mechanical Engineering full-time.

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ArticlesAllie Kunkel
Measure AM Value, Not AM Printers

In our previous article, “RIP 3D Printing. Long Live AM!” we suggested that the paradigm was shifting.  It is moving away from the printer OEM being the center of the AM universe towards the part manufacturer using AM to produce products. Recent conversations have led us to double-down on that premise, with reinforcement from data-driven analysis to convey the message that AM is ready to be measured by the same metric the rest of manufacturing is – parts and services.

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