Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions most often asked about TBGA, our founder, our training, and our advisory work in additive and advanced manufacturing.

1. What does The Barnes Global Advisors do?

The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) is an independent additive and advanced manufacturing engineering consultancy founded in 2017. We combine deep technical knowledge with strategic expertise to help manufacturers, institutions, and defense partners navigate the complexities of adopting additive manufacturing (AM). Our services span engineering support, qualification and certification, system, material, and process economics, digital transformation strategy, supply chain mapping, communications and events, and education and workforce development.

2. What is TBGA’s origin story?

TBGA was founded in 2017 by John E. Barnes, who serves as Founder and President. As a materials engineer, John has been involved in additive manufacturing for roughly 30 years. Before founding TBGA, he was Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing & Strategy at Arconic, where he worked with Airbus to qualify the first titanium additively manufactured parts for series production. He is also the Founder and CEO of Metal Powder Works.

3. Where is TBGA located?

TBGA is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is closely tied to Neighborhood 91, the Advanced Manufacturing Production Campus at Pittsburgh International Airport. While our home base is Pittsburgh, our ADDvisor® team spans the country and supports clients across the globe, both on-site and virtually.

4. What is the ADDvisor® team, and what makes TBGA different?

Our ADDvisor® team is a group of trusted global additive manufacturing experts who serve customers as an extension of their team. As one of the largest independent AM consultancies in the world, TBGA offers agnostic guidance grounded in real industrial experience, balancing the technical and the strategic to help clients turn data into actionable insight.

5. What training does TBGA offer, and is it online or in person?

TBGA offers individual, team-based, and custom-tailored additive manufacturing training. Options include in-person workshops, virtual sessions, and self-paced online courses, so learners at any level can participate. Course topics include AM Essentials, AM Technology & Materials, Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), AM Business & Economics, and Understanding the AM Value Chain. We also design tailored courses and solutions specific to customer goals.

6. What is the Purdue AM Certificate, and how much does it cost?

In partnership with Purdue University, TBGA offers a 100% online, self-paced Additive Manufacturing Certificate. The certificate includes four courses (AM Essentials, AM Technology & Materials, AM Design, and AM Business & Economics) for $1200. Learners earn 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per course, and the program is designed for working professionals and students who want to stay current with rapidly evolving AM technologies.

7. How experienced is the TBGA team?

Our team draws on more than 350 years of combined experience in additive manufacturing and over 500 years of combined experience in advanced manufacturing. This depth spans aerospace, defense, materials engineering, qualification, supply chain, and program strategy.

8. Does TBGA work with government and defense, and is it ITAR compliant?

Yes. TBGA has obtained ITAR accreditation to support customers in additive and advanced manufacturing, and our expertise is sought by AM OEMs, leading technology adopters, economic development groups, public-private consortiums, and defense stakeholders. TBGA also serves as a prime contractor providing training services to the federal government.

9. How is TBGA connected to Neighborhood 91?

TBGA is a consultant to Neighborhood 91 (N91), the Advanced Manufacturing Production Campus at Pittsburgh International Airport. As the strategic lead for the Resilient Manufacturing (RM) program, TBGA has used N91 as a prototype for self-sustaining manufacturing hubs that support defense applications.

10. How do I contact TBGA or start a project?

Reach out to us with your AM-related goals and we will tailor a course, workshop, advisory engagement, or other solution to meet your needs. Consulting engagements range from strategy and implementation support to technical due diligence. Contact us at info@barnesglobaladvisors.com or visit barnesglobaladvisors.com.