The AM Academy

The AM Academy is for 3D printing hobbyists, engineers and researchers. Go deep on additive manufacturing.

Why you should join: Structured courses from AM 101 to materials and DfAM, research and paper-writing support, weekly paper breakdowns and updated AM job openings. Free to join.

The one-liner

A free additive manufacturing forum covering desktop 3D printing, industrial work and research.

What they actually sell

The AM Academy, run by Pedro Lopes, lives on Skool. Its public pitch: "Building the most comprehensive Additive Manufacturing forum online." It is free to join. The page lists weekly content, paper breakdowns, industry news, and technical discussions that actually matter, and Job opportunities, updated AM positions across R&D, process engineering, applications, and design. Inside sit 8 courses. The public page keeps the promise practical and specific rather than vague networking talk.

Who pays and why

Builders and operators who feel behind on AI and do not want another tool graveyard. The fear is peers shipping while they still prompt in circles. They join for proven workflows and a practice room for applied AI. The AM Academy is sold as a place to do the work with others, not to collect another login.

Where the members come from

The Skool lander and Pedro Lopes's own teaching appear to be the main acquisition path. Public social links are thin on the about page, so growth reads as community-led rather than a giant media brand. Exact follower counts stay off the about page.

What's holding it back

AI rooms age in weeks. If workflows go stale, members who paid for edge will leave.

Steal this

Sell AI community as weekly workflows members can run, not a tool directory.

Would this work in another niche?

Yes for other applied AI practice communities. Weak for prompt dump channels.