3DPOD: Insight from 3D Printing Pros

Lithoz is a pioneer in the 3D printing of technical ceramics, initially using a ceramic-loaded stereolithography process and later adopting multiple technologies. Johannes Homa, a researcher turned entrepreneur, discusses his transition from academia to business. In this episode of the 3DPOD, our conversation covers ceramics, the development of technologies, and business growth. Johannes provides insight into Lithoz and shares how the company is advancing the use of a new class of materials.

Dietmar Hutmacher is a Professor and Chair in Regenerative Medicine at the Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical, and Process Engineering at Queensland University of Technology. He possesses extensive experience in 3D cell cultures, grafts, biomaterials, scaffolds, bone engineering scaffolds, biofabrication, and more. On this episode of the 3DPOD, we engage in a candid discussion about the hype surrounding bioprinting, the reality, and the forefront of bioprinting in patients.

Andy Jeffery is a long-time 3D printing veteran who has repeatedly introduced binder jetting technologies to new areas. Starting as one of the earliest adopters of this technology for filters, Andy has worked with materials such as glass, ceramics, wood, and more. Now at Marvel Labs, he is part of an initiative to develop cost-effective 3D printing methods for wood, coffee, and seaweed. Time and time again, Andy has taken his deep technological insight and repurposed it for potentially huge applications. His current projects could lead to products that reduce CO2 emissions and change consumption patterns.

David Dietrich's journey in 3D printing spans from materials engineering roles at Boeing and ORNL to his position as an engineering fellow at Honeywell, showcasing his extensive experience in metals and polymer manufacturing. Currently, David is part of PADT, a company specializing in the manufacturing and design of 3D printed medical devices, space components, and more. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Dietrich shares his insights into the evolution of 3D printing over the years, offering valuable lessons from his broad experience in the field.

Ricky Wildman is working on 3D printing pills, but, as Professor of Multiphase Flow and Physics at Nottingham, he does a whole lot more. His research encompasses the characterization of metal 3D printed components, laser scan strategies, regenerative medicine, and more. Given his broad exposure to various fields, Ricky's perspective on additive manufacturing is notably more comprehensive than what is commonly encountered. What follows in this episode of the 3DPOD is an insightful conversation covering a wide range of topics, offering diverse viewpoints on numerous subjects.

François Minec began his career in polymers as an engineer. He then progressed to roles as a product and general manager in several polymer companies. Following this, he founded Advanc3D Materials, where he developed polymers for powder bed fusion. After the sale of this company to BASF, he took on the role of leading BASF's additive manufacturing business before becoming the head of HP's polymer 3D printing division. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we delve into polymers, the cost of 3D printing materials, strategies to advance the industrialization of 3D printing, and much more in a thorough discussion.

Amy Alexander leads the 3D printing initiatives at the Mayo Clinic. You'll be astounded by the ambitious plans this hospital has for additive manufacturing. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Amy discusses the Mayo Clinic's multi-year strategy to utilize powder bed fusion for printing metal implants, instruments, and devices in-house. Additionally, Amy elaborates on how her team is applying Additive Manufacturing within the hospital. In particular areas, like new device design, the team is indeed undertaking innovative activities. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of 3D printing and healthcare.

Ali Tamijani, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has an extensive background in composites, tool pathing, and the development of functional 3D printed parts, primarily for the aerospace industry. He developed Novineer, a tool designed to simplify the editing and adaptation of complex files for additive manufacturing components. This tool allows parts to be optimized by significantly reducing the number of surfaces and volumes and tailoring them according to where strength and other specific properties are needed. Additionally, it ensures that parts are optimized in conjunction with the toolpaths. Novineer is a distinct product in the field of advanced additive components, and we discuss its development and applications with Ali.

Shannon VanDeren is a consultant in the 3D printing industry, focusing on implementation and integration for her company, Layered Manufacturing and Consulting. For nearly ten years, she has been involved with the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG), culminating in her role as the organization's President. Her extensive career includes positions at 3D Systems, Materialise, and other renowned firms in the additive sector. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Shannon shares her insights into the additive industry based on her experiences in the 3D printing field ahead of the upcoming AMUG event in Chicago, March 10-14, 2024.

Clare DiFazio's journey into the 3D printing industry was serendipitous, yet her involvement at critical moments has significantly influenced the sector. Her position as Head of Marketing & Product Strategy at E3D offers a distinctive insight, as the company stands as the sole major supplier of aftermarket 3D printer components and the primary producer of nozzles for numerous material extrusion OEMs. DiFazio joined E3D during its nascent stages, contributing through periods of remarkable growth and challenging times, including tragic events. Alongside sharing her personal narrative, she provides valuable advice on scaling a hardware business and fostering unity during difficult periods.

Jeremy Pullin, an additive manufacturing (AM) veteran with decades of experience, is currently at the leading medical firm, Sartorius Group. He has been instrumental in setting up engineering centers and has significantly contributed to the development of metal 3D printing over the years. In an open-hearted conversation, he shares insights into the application of 3D printing in both industrial and medical sectors. We delve into topics such as materials, processes, software, files, and the various challenges that come with implementing additive technologies. Pullin's learned and very direct approach is particularly refreshing; he candidly discusses the hurdles faced in the adoption of AM, offering a comprehensive and honest perspective on the state of the field.

John Kawola was one of the initial employees at Zcorp, a pioneering 3D printing company known for manufacturing color parts that was eventually acquired by 3D Systems. Subsequently, Kawola rejoined the 3D printing sector to lead Ultimaker's invasion into the US market. Not stopping there, he later assumed leadership at BMF, a company specializing in the production of micro-sized parts using digital light processing technology. BMF is carving out a niche for itself while also commercializing applications that utilize its innovative technology—a strategy that, in our opinion, should be more widely adopted.

Stefan Ritt, a expert in 3D printing veteran, has contributed significantly to numerous additive manufacturing committees and standardization initiatives. For twenty years, he was a pivotal figure at SLM Solutions, joining the company during the nascent stages of its metal 3D printing venture. His tenure spanned the major phase of internationalization and expansion. Consequently, on this episode of the 3DPOD, we had the privilege of hearing Stefan's tales from the formative years, as well as his insights on the current state of the industry.

Chris Prue, who initially honed his skills in the Quality department at GE, later transitioned to GE Aviation, where he ascended to the role of Additive and Process Manager. His career journey then led him to AddUp, followed by a move to UPM Additive. UPM distinguishes itself in the powder bed fusion sector through a novel approach. Instead of focusing on selling metal powder, the company has carved out a specialization in the creation, resurfacing, and customization of build plates for metal 3D printing. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we dive into the nuances of build plate optimization and the intricacies of the metal 3D printing industry.

Greg Morris, CTO of advanced manufacturing provider Zeda Technologies, is a true industry leader in 3D printing. Decades back, he made his initial family metals firm, Morris Technologies, into an early adopter of metal 3D printing in the U.S., thus helping America industrialize metal additive though his work with GE. Morris Technologies was ultimately acquired by GE. Now, with Zeda, he is sure to make an impact as well. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Morris is humble as he discusses the unsung engineers that really performed the trailblazing work. There are a number of lessons in this show about how to build an innovative organization and how to survive.

Sherri Monroe is the Executive Director of the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA). There's a growing curiosity about the environmental aspects of 3D printing. Is it truly "green"? Understanding how to measure sustainability and promote it is crucial in this context. When one process proves superior in certain aspects compared to others, what steps should be taken? This leads to a broader question: how can companies be encouraged to adopt greener practices? Moreover, does 3D printing have the potential to drive more companies towards eco-friendly operations? We discuss these topics and more in this episode of the 3DPOD.

Hans-Alfred Breuninger, with a background as a strategy consultant, has specialized in 3D printing after many years in his initial field. He has collaborated with leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Stratasys, and engaged in projects for industrial clients and prospective 3D printing users. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we delve into strategies for encouraging companies to adopt 3D printing, explore the challenges involved, and discuss the expected evolution of the market. Hans-Alfred expresses concern over the German industrial base, highlighting apprehensions about Chinese companies potentially outpacing German ones in the 3D printing sector. We are particularly impressed with Bambu Lab, anticipating its potential to outperform many competitors. The three of us also share our insights on strategies to effectively compete with Bambu. While this episode starts off slowly, it blossoms into a compelling discussion as it progresses.

Nestled beside a potato field, JawsTec's location may not raise eyebrows in the state known for its spuds, but the competitive spirit of the 3D printing service bureau certainly might. Oscar Klassen, the company's founder and CEO, delves into the origins of JawsTec, charting the company's growth and sharing his aspirations for its future. His perspectives on automation and post-processing are notably unconventional. Oscar also elaborates on his ambitious goals for the company. In our discussion, he envisions the road ahead for his business, considering the factors that propel and impede its progress.

Seven years ago, Jonas Galle began his journey to develop a molten metal 3D printing technology. Since then, his young startup, ValCUN, has been on a wild ride The company has introduced a unique method for 3D printing aluminum using inexpensive feedstock and recently launched a user-friendly machine for laboratories, with plans to release one geared towards production. ValCUN aims to execute 3D printing for mass manufacturing in sectors such as power electronics and automotive. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Jonas candidly shares the challenges he faced in securing funding, evolving as an entrepreneur, and more.

After a lengthy tenure at GE, Juan Mario Gomez took an unexpected turn, launching a metal 3D printing venture, Xact Metal. In this episode of the 3DPOD, he shares his experiences at GE and his subsequent journey. This includes what it takes to produce affordable metal powder bed fusion systems, as well as the challenges of initiating and sustaining a business in this field. His insights offer valuable lessons for a broad audience.

Gabe Linke serves as a technical specialist at Children's Nebraska hospital, where he plays a pivotal role as a bridge between conceptual ideas and their tangible, printable counterparts. His expertise lies in transforming patient scans into makable models. He is among the select few with extensive experience in operating a hospital 3D printing lab. While such labs were once a rarity, they are now experiencing rapid expansion. Many hospitals are increasingly adopting 3D printing to create medical models for various purposes, including teaching, education, patient explanations, and planning complex surgeries. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Gabe guides us through his workflow, sharing insights about the 3D printers he utilizes and highlighting aspects that are crucial to him. He also shares insights into what matters to the doctors he collaborates with and their patients, showcasing the integral role of 3D printing in modern medical practices.

As CEO, Chaw Sing Ho spearheads National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC), Singapore's national initiative for 3D printing. In our in-depth conversation with him on the 3DPOD, we explore the nuances of Singapore's ecosystem and discuss strategies to foster additive manufacturing in various countries. We delve into what Singapore excels at in this field, along with its future aspirations. The dialogue also examines the potential impact of 3D printing on Singapore, a trade-centric entrepôt. Our discussion offers both detailed insights into key areas and a broader, helicopter view of the steps needed to advance 3D printing further. It's an engaging talk that we believe you'll find enjoyable!

Ben Holmes shares his venture into developing a potentially game-changing medical device technology. His company, Nanochon, aims to alleviate cartilage problems with an implant that initially substitutes the cartilage, then fosters natural body repair. Given that cartilage issues plague millions, this innovation holds promise for being both lucrative and impactful. Conditions like osteoarthritis significantly impair the quality of life for many. This narrative delves into the creation of the product and the ongoing journey of the startup. It's important to note: Nanochon's Chondrograft device has yet to receive approval for use in the United States.

Elias Stahl believes that his startup, HILOS, has the potential to transform the manufacturing industry. Starting with 3D printed shoes, he aims to integrate this technology with skilled labor, additional machinery, and knitting techniques to produce highly wearable footwear. Stahl envisions HILOS as a sustainable manufacturing platform that can serve various brands. The team's expertise in manufacturing, combined with their skills in 3D printing design, positions them to excel in a unique market niche. Ultimately, Stahl hopes this technology will expand to a wide array of products.

Philip Lund-Nielsen entered the world of desktop 3D printing as a co-founder of a Danish reseller. Impressively, that reseller underwent a significant transformation to become COBOD, now one of the largest global companies in the construction 3D printing industry. On this episode of the 3DPOD, we sat down with Philip to discuss the potential of 3D printing in construction, covering topics from housing and infrastructure to concrete, sustainability, and future market trends.

Richard Hague, a pioneering researcher in the realm of additive manufacturing, now holds a position at the University of Nottingham. Besides his academic pursuits, he is also a co-founder of Reactive Fusion, a company committed to realizing groundbreaking applications of 3D printing in polyurethane and silicone. On this episode of the 3DPOD, our discussion with Professor Hague spans a wide range, exploring both the potential and probable future trajectories of 3D printing. Additionally, we take a retrospective look, examining the progressive evolution of this transformative technology.

Colonel James Allen Regenor had a distinguished career, flying tankers and transport aircraft for the U.S. Air Force before serving under President Bush and the National Security Council (NSC). After his time at the NSC, he took command of the 521st Air Mobility Group. He later joined MOOG in their Additive division. Currently, he is the CEO of VeriTX, a company focused on securing the digital supply chain for additive manufacturing and various other files. His career is filled with exciting stories, and he offers valuable insights into an often-overlooked aspect of additive technology.

After decades of engineering and leading teams at Jaguar Land Rover, Steve Cox made an unexpected career shift to focus on 3D printing education through his own company, Amfori. This transition has allowed Steve to delve deeply into the world of 3D printing. While he assists educators in adopting the technology, his primary focus is on providing training and consulting services for businesses, both large and small. With his forthright personality, Steve promises an episode that is not only educational but also highly entertaining.

Mitch Altman, a pioneer in the fields of field-programmable gate arrays and virtual reality, has long been a leading figure in the maker community. Not only did he help establish the Noisebridge hackerspace, but he's also taught thousands how to solder while globe-trotting as an ambassador for makers. Additionally, Mitch created the TV-B-Gone universal remote, a device designed to turn off televisions. Far from a whimsical endeavor, his motivation for this invention is deeply personal. In this episode of the 3DPOD, our conversations with Mitch, touching on open hardware, maker spaces, and technology development, were incredibly enriching.

Douglas Krone co-founded Dynamism, a reseller specializing in a range of 3D printers, from desktop to industrial models, for the U.S. market. This successful enterprise has become a leader in the professional 3D printing segment. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Douglas shares insights, fortunate turns, and his vision for the company. However, his expertise doesn't stop there. He also founded Brule, which is introducing 3D printing technology to Japan and Korea. As a result, Douglas offers valuable perspectives on the emerging markets in these countries.

Sarah Jordan, a seasoned expert in casting, forging, and metallurgy, is channeling her extensive knowledge into an innovative 3D printing technique with which she founded Skuld. Her startup's specialization in lost foam casting has led it to pioneer a 3D-printed foam casting method. Despite Sarah's characteristic humility, it is apparent that she and her team have constructed a sophisticated factory capable of producing low-cost metal parts. By streamlining the casting process, this new technique not only offers economic advantages but also accelerates time to market compared to conventional methods. While Skuld may not yet be a household name, its groundbreaking work has the potential to disrupt not just the world of 3D printing but also the broader manufacturing landscape.

Nicoline van Enter, a seasoned figure in the realms of footwear and trend forecasting, has taken her expertise to Footwearology, where she leads training and workshops for those eager to learn about 3D printing or 3D knitting shoes. Finding herself at the crossroads of the massive footwear industry and the emerging trend of 3D printing, she was able to share insights in a lively and informative conversation on the 3DPOD about the impact and future of 3D-printed footwear. A must-listen for anyone intrigued by shoes.

Kerry Stevenson was a CTO in the Insurance industry until he turned his focus to 3D printing and started a blog called Fabbaloo. Since 2007, Kerry has offered the industry his unique look at additive manufacturing. In this episode of the 3DPOD, he gives us a candid look at the industry over the time that he's followed it. We discuss trends, developments, disappointments and breakthroughs in the industry over the years.

In this episode of the 3DPOD, we speak to Tyler LeBrun. Currently serving as Additive Manufacturing Lead at Sandia National Laboratories, LeBrun previously worked at Aerojet Rocketdyne and Blue Origin. In addition, he lends his expertise to the manufacturing non-profit SME with its efforts in standards. What follows is a conversation about standards, space, engineering and additive manufacturing that we think you'll find fascinating.

In this episode of the 3DPOD, we once again welcomed Max Heres, who elaborated further on his large format material extrusion company, Loci Robotics. We delved deeper into the intricacies occurring within the nozzle during large format or desktop 3D printing. We explored the factors that influence part quality and extrusion, with Max providing insightful explanations about these factors and their interrelationships. But more critically, we examined how these systems operate and how, as a user or machine designer, one can modify these variables and influence their effects.

Trio Labs is quietly revolutionizing the field of small metal parts with its high-volume, accurate metal 3D printing technology. Since 2017, the company has been concentrating its efforts on medical devices. On this episode of the 3DPOD, we gain insights from Trio Labs' founder, Adam Steege. We also have the opportunity to explore the medical 3D printing and development market with Scott Schiller, an HP veteran and the current CMO of Trio Labs. We dive into a conversation about the company's market entry strategy, objectives, and future aspirations.

Found in 3D printers, busses, airplanes, cars and a lot of electronics worldwide, wire harnesses are often made by hand, a country or two over from where the end system is ultimately assembled. This arrangement not only makes their implementation slow and inefficient, but also leads to product delays. British startup Q5D has developed a manufacturing cell that uses 3D printing, pick and place, and more to manufacture these complex structures. In this episode of 3DPOD, co-host Max Bogue and I learn just how much potential there is for Q5D's technology. For instance, did you know that every wire harness in every Toyota Camry includes the wiring for an electric sunroof, even though only very few of the vehicles actually include that option. Clearly, wire harnesses can be made more flexibly and efficiently.

In this episode of the 3DPOD, we talk to Gareth Neal, Business Development Manager EMEA + Israel for Xaar. The British firm manufactures inkjet printheads and Gareth wants you to build your next 3D printer with their heads. He works with customers to produce coating, bioprinting and 3D printing devices with inkjet. Long known as a color 3D printing technology, inkjet is now also being hyped because of its use binder jet. In our discussion with Gareth, we learn that there are more possibilities still in high-viscosity inkjet, electronics, and beyond.

Natalie Wadley started a 3D printing construction business with her husband. Rather than sell material or 3D printers ChangeMaker3D is an integrator that organizes, marshals technology, and builds parts. The couple has executed 3D printing projects for houses, water infrastructure, and train infrastructure projects. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we get a ground-floor view at the real possibilities and difficulties of 3D printing in construction.

Nick Pearce is a recruiter who helped start Alexander Daniels Global, a firm specialized in headhunting for the Additive Manufacturing industry. As the director of the company, Nick´s vantage point informs a discussion of job interviews, networking, salary trends, the talent pool for additive, job hopping, hiring, and much more. This is a great perspective for companies aiming to hire or employees that want to optimize their careers in 3D printing.

In this episode of the 3DPOD, we talk with Zach Detweiler, vice president of Technology at Velo3D (NYSE: VLD), about his past as a chemist and the path that took him to his current position. We also go through the complex systems that intertwine to form a metal powder bed fusion system, including the variables that need to be controlled and what must be done in order to achieve industrial manufacturing of 3D printed parts.

Mark Abshire has had a very long history in 3D printing. Beginning as a Rapid Prototyping manager at Texas Instruments, he was one of the first users of stereolithography in the world. He later on went to perform applications engineering at 3D Systems before joining Sony for its foray into 3D printing. Later, he worked for DSM Somos. Mark is a wealth of information on 3D printing and has a deep love for the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG). On this episode of the 3DPOD, he discusses why you should go to the annual AMUG Conference and why it is relevant. Mark also shares a just a piece of the many wonderful tales he has about a life in 3D printing.

Paul D’Urso is a pioneering surgeon and entrepreneur. As founder of Anatomics, he's been an instrumental figure in developing 3D printed implants of all kinds. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Paul gives us a candid look at the opportunities, challenges and recent past of 3D printed implants. This is a great episode dealing with innovation, implants, medical 3D printing and more.

Previous guest Duann Scott is back to discuss some new ventures and projects he's involved with, including MIT's xPRO course on additive. What is covered, what do you learn, and for whom is the course? We also talk about 3MF, artificial intelligence, and lots of other subjects. An entertaining episode that you should enjoy as much as we did making it.

Today we interview Max Bogue, co-host of the 3DPOD. He tells us how he went from the genesis of the idea for a 3D printing pen to creating the product to founding the company 3Doodler. As major moments in his story, Max points to saying no to huge opportunities, having dogs in the office, and visiting factories. What follows is a great story and a lot of very practical advice, including good patent lawyers and the importance of different company structures , along with a lot more that will be helpful to entrepreneurs.

Chris Tuck is an entrepreneur and Nottingham University professor playing an outsized role in commercializing and researching new 3D printing technologies. He's made a number of breakthroughs in binder jet, as well as founded Added Scientific and Reactive Fusion. While Added Scientific is a consultancy that can help you create your very own binder jet technology, material or production process, Reactive Fusion is a binder jet technology developed for polyurethane. That in itself is completely wild and could very well be a path to cost-effective, durable, and soft consumer goods with 3D printing. What we really liked about this conversation was the holistic way he has about refining technologies and making them production-ready.

Before starting Loci Robotics, Max Heres had a storied history beginning with the study of polymer physics before working as a graduate research assistant at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and going on to large-format 3D printing startup Local Motors. His deep experience in this technology led him to come up with a company that makes robotic arm-based polymer 3D printers. We end up taking a fascinating segue into the physics of what goes on when you 3D print. Max was able to explain some completely simple things that we knew and some others that we didn't know very well. Really great episode.

Hunma Khan founded Astro Mechanical Testing Lab to create a testing and qualification lab specific to Additive Manufacturing. Her customers are most of the notable firms in New Space, defense and government that work in 3D printing. That kind of success did not come overnight though. Humna spent years at SpaceX, NASA JPL and at the US Air Force. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Humna tells us of her journey in 3D printing and space technology. It´s a fascinating tale and we hope you enjoy it as well.

Ian Yang is the founder of Gantri, a startup which uses desktop 3D printers to make lamps. We love Gantri because it deploys 3D printing for consumer products and is one of very few firms to do so. Gantri is pushing our technology into your living room and bedroom. So, how does the company manage to do that? We follow the company's path, software, and design sensibility. We look at how they use 3D printers that you may have at home and tried to make their own. Ian tells us why they manufacture in California, even though it's expensive, and what they do to make their lights look so good. This episode details the future of a much expanded technology. This is a must listen!

Frank Herzog, alongside his wife, commercialized Concept Laser. The firm was later sold to GE to become the core of GE Additive, and Frank stuck around to build out GE's operations in Lichtenfels. Later, Frank and Co. started an R&D center, a seed capital fund and a Venture Capital firm all united under the HZG Group. Frank tells us his extraordinary tale of family and entrepreneurship. We learn of his principles and what he thinks make companies successful. We could have easily spoken with Frank for a few hours more and really enjoyed this show.

Meld is one of the most exciting metal 3D printing startups out there. Its additive friction stir deposition is a solid-state process that can print very large metal parts that no other technology can without the use of a chamber. On this episode of the 3DPOD, we have a veteran guest returning. Tim Bell, Chief Operating Officer at MELD Manufacturing Corporation, returns to us to explain the technology and the company. We talk about the possibilities and the applications, including making gradient parts and new alloys. We also discuss huge tank hulls and Navy parts in this episode about a very different kind of metal 3D printing.

Ben Schrauwen was a Professor of Machine Learning who also had a few startups under his belt when joined Autodesk and worked on the CAD giant's 3D printing software. He then started Oqton, a software firm later sold to 3D Systems. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Ben goes into depth with us to explain machine learning, AI and the opportunities there. I really enjoyed his explanations of machine learning and what it is and isn't. He then goes on to talk about Oqton and the future of 3D printing.

Scott Volk has deep experience in additive and, over the decades, he's stood at the forefront of polymer and metal implementations, working for such firms as Incodema3D and GPI Prototype. Upon leaving Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing, where he served as Vice President of Business Development & Strategy, in 2022, Scott's a free agent via his own firm, Advanced Additive Innovations Inc. Now, he can speak freely and he does so extensively in this episode of the 3DPOD. We get a well-informed, no-holds-barred look at 3D printing through his eyes and experience.

Martin Eichenhofer took his research from ETH Zurich and turned it into an exciting startup, 9T Labs, which hopes to make its two step carbon fiber 3D printing technique suitable for large-scale volume production of programmable carbon fiber components. Carbon fiber and other CFRP parts could replace metal, make elements lighter, and represent a new method for altering the form factor of many objects today. Bikes, drones, and consumer electronics could be just some of the areas impacted. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Martin takes us through the founding of his startup and how the company is developing, including how it is working on more sustainable composites.

Matt Smith started his firm TCPoly while he was a researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He parlayed this small business into manufacturing filament that is thermally, but not electrically conductive conductive. With a thermal conductivity of 6 W/m-K, TCPoly filament can be used to create structures with properties that other parts simply cannot have. TCPoly has expanded to manufacturer panels that could help keep large buildings cool.

Matt's story is one that really illustrates how tough it is to get something really innovative going in the world of technology. It also demonstrates how, while 3D printing filament might be a good thing in itself, much better heat management for buildings could be even better.

As Head of Business Development, Marketing and Sales, Ole von Seelen has been helping trinckle 3D grow in the 3D printing space for years now. Starting out as a package for managing online services, the firm expanded to become a productivity software until pivoting again to become a customization software vendor. Now armed with investment from the HZG Group, it wants to accelerate its growth into making mass customization and personalization easy for anyone to do. On this episode of the 3DPOD, we get a great look inside the goals and strategy of trinckle 3D.

Samantha Snabes, co-founder of re:3D, is extremely humble, but as we dive into her story in this episode of the 3DPOD, we learn just how exciting, fascinating and fun her life has truly been. It is a story of high-speed entrepreneurship for good.

Max and I are swept away by her story and that of re:3D, which has brought a family of large- and medium-format 3D printers to life. re:3D's Gigabot systems have good intentions but are also being used in serious applications at NASA, Lockheed Martin and the Air Force.  And that’s not all. Beyond re:3D, Samantha is an IEEE Member and currently volunteers as the Global Chair of the IEEE Entrepreneurship Steering Committee.

David Moodie is a New Zealand-based product designer who took a tumble down the 3D printing rabbit hole. After meeting the world's nicest venture capital fund, a fanciful client project morphed into a startup, dubbed Foundry Lab. The firm's metal casting technology is a potentially very exciting one. Speeding up the die casting process is something of which others have steered clear. By creating a unique technology meant to accelerate die casting, the company does not have to grab a lot of market share in casting in order to be a giant in additive manufacturing. This is a great entrepreneurship story that we hope that you'll love.

Slant 3D CEO Gabe Bentz only wanted to design and market 3D printed parts, but found existing service bureaus too expensive. So, he made a pivot and Slant 3D deployed the world's largest 3D printer farm. The company now uses desktop 3D printers to make products at scale. This is a potentially very disruptive strategy for the additive manufacturing industry. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Gabe talks us through what Slant does and how it aims to grow.

In this episode of the 3DPOD, we speak to Dr. Steven Kurtz, director of the Implant Research Center at Drexel University’s School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems and also acts as an implant consultant. We have a great conversation about the PAEK family of high-performance polymers, including PEKK and PEEK, for use in the body. Dr. Kurtz also discusses the opportunities for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) which is still a nascent material for additive manufacturing. We take a journey through the successes and advantages of polymer implants for cranio maxillofacial, spinal and other areas of the body. All in all, Steve's expert opinion is engaging and a real delight.

Coming from the world of gaming, Lars Brubaker started MatterHackers to take part in the 3D printing revolution. Due to his background, he has good war stories: trying to find filament when no one was selling it, except a single individual in New Zealand, or seeking out customer service on some of the first consumer 3D printers. Lars also tells us about building companies: what kind of values, metrics, and strategies  you have to do in order to be successful. By being close to your customers and understanding them, Lars thinks that you can see which way the wind is blowing. MatterHackers´ journey is remarkable from a distributor in the RepRap days to a seller of much more expensive machines and, now, a supplier to the U.S. government.

Fergal Coulter, a postdoctoral research fellow at ETH Zurich, is one of the most interesting scientists working in 3D printing today. His work spans from 3D printing on balloon shapes to heart valves, electro active actuators, prosthesis, 3D printing bacteria and much more. You can check out his research on his website and his YouTube channel. Now, Fergal is working on an eight-axis 3D printer which he is to release open source to the world. This is an astounding project and could help the world print organs, electronics, and bionic components and we love it. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we have a fun conversation with Fergal about his work and the future of 3D printing.

Bob Markley, Executive Vice President at additive manufacturing provider ADDMAN Group, has had an eventful journey in 3D printing. In this episode of the 3DPOD, he discusses the route to starting a 3D printing service with one machine and trying to grow it. Now, he's a part of the fast-expanding ADDMAN empire. What does it take to run a service today? Where are the opportunities and what should a 3D printing service do? What will happen with consolidation in 3D printing? Bob tells us very candidly what is important, what must be done, and how to grow.

3DPrint.com and SmarTech Analysis are hosting Additive Manufacturing Strategies in New York City on February 7-9, 2023. Register for the event here to learn from and network with the most exciting companies and individuals in AM.

Maxi Strixner has worked in engineering positions and leading firms such as EOS, AMCM, AP Works and now The Exploration Company. We talk to him about designing for additive, engineering for additive and what it takes to be an engineer in additive manufacturing. We also discuss new space, aviation, racing cars, automotive, generative design, optimization and much much more. Really exciting look at what it takes to engineer for success in Additive.

In this week's episode of the 3DPOD, we have Paul Gradl, a principal engineer in the Combustion Devices Design and Development Branch at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. This is an episode that we've been looking forward to for months. We wanted to have Paul on because he wrote and cowrote a couple of papers which we love, including "Metal additive manufacturing in aerospace: A review." It's simply fantastic, providing a great overview of what is going on in metal 3D printing in the aerospace sector. Another favorite is "Robust Metal Additive Manufacturing Process Selection and Development for Aerospace Components." Both are available to view for free. Do yourself a favor and read the papers! Recently, Paul also cowrote the book Additive Manufacturing for Propulsion Applications, which I'm very much looking forward to reading. This was an amazing podcast with a great deal of discussion about 3D printing in space, process selection, materials like GRCop-42, and more. You're going to love this.

Prior to establishing precision metal 3D printing firm Holo, Inc., Arian Aghababaie founded a firm dedicated to building a digital light processing (DLP) 3D printer. That startup was quickly acquired by Autodesk, leading to the CAD software giant's Spark/Ember 3D printer, a DLP machine that was widely used. Later on, he spun out the printer technology to form Holo, which uses what I refer to as "slurry stereolithography" to produce finely detailed metal parts as a service. Holo is trying to industrialize its technology for manufacturing. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we learn from Arian how the company aims to do this and how he got where he is today.

3DPrint.com and SmarTech Analysis are hosting Additive Manufacturing Strategies in New York City on February 7-9, 2023. Register for the event here to learn from and network with the most exciting companies and individuals in AM.

Andrew Cunningham is an additive manufacturing (AM) process engineer at General Motors (GM). He candidly tells us about how GM is using 3D printing across the organization. We get some tidbits on everything from prototyping to tooling to racing. He also talks about the company's new $300,000 CELESTIQ vehicle, which will feature a variety of AM technologies by the firm to make over 100 3D printed metal and polymer parts.

Tim Bell started off as a machinist, working a lot of jobs in engineering, program management, and more before going to Siemens Digital Industries, where he is now Additive Manufacturing Business Manager. On the 3DPOD, he speaks to us about digital twins, digital thread, and contextualizes these broader manufacturing trends. Tim also discusses the opportunities in additive and manufacturing going forward. How does Siemens work with companies to help them adopt 3D printing? What are some of the pitfalls and things holding back the industry?

On this episode of the 3DPOD, Tim Berry, Head of Manufacturing at Launcher, takes us through what you need to be an engineer working in new space today. He discusses how Launcher uses 3D printing to make components for propulsion and other spacecraft systems. You'll be blown away just how extensive the startup's 3D printing activity is. You'll also be quite surprised by what copper they use. This is a must-listen if you're interested in the new space race.

Before serving in his current role as Technology Director of America Makes, Brandon Ribic worked at Los Alamos and Rolls Royce. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Brandon takes us through what America Makes is up to, how to spread additive around the U.S., and what is holding back the 3D printing industry. From training to capacity building, we're told what could and does help. Great conversation that has a lot to offer, particularly for listeners who want to move additive from the sketch pad to production.

Sascha Wenzler, Vice President of Formnext, is with us on the 3DPOD again. He's now in a much more relaxed frame of mind, now that we have a complete trade show taking place with significant visitors and exhibitors and free from pandemic fears. We talk to Sascha about the trends at Formnext 2022, what kind of stands we will be seeing, what companies are doing to promote themselves, and what kinds of activities will be taking place. Sascha also discusses the types of lectures, courses, and presentations we can expect. All in all, it was a lovely conversation that really has us looking forward to Formnext!

CEO of Evolve Additive Joe Allison got started with 3D printing in 1987. After working for 3D Systems, he started Solid Concepts, which would grow to become one of the world's largest additive manufacturing service bureaus before its ultimate purchase by Stratasys. In turn, Joe served as the CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. What's more, it would pioneer parts on commercial aircraft, drones, and in all sorts of applications. Joe tells us of his pioneering role in the industry and what he is doing now at Evolve Additive, where he was appointed CEO this past summer. Really exciting episode that covers a lot of things that you may not know.

Neal Orringer worked in a number of roles in the U.S. government and with 3D Systems before leading ASTRO America as its president. There, he's trying to wrangle large companies like Boeing and Honeywell into spreading 3D printing across their industrial base. Orringer also trying to lead the charge in hypersonics and make 3D printing useful for land vehicles. We hope you find our conversation with Orringer as entertaining as we did.  If you want to hear more from Neal, please register for our (Free!) AM Investment Strategies online leadership roundtable, November 10, 2022.

Stephen Holmes is the Editor in Chief of DEVELOP3D, a publication with its own voice dedicated to product development, design, and CAD. The outlet also offers stories related to 3D printing, as well as product reviews on peripherals and computers. Additionally, the team behind DEVELOP3D hosts its own live event, DEVELOP3D Live, on November 1. We really enjoyed Stephen´s opinionated clear take on 3D printing and the promise of our industry.

After working in aerospace, engineer Dale Swarts went into the orthopedics industry, where he worked at Zimmer for many years, rising to the status of director. Later, he became the Applied Research Director at Pipeline Orthopedics. When that firm was taken over by Mako, he took the position of director before becoming the Chief Engineer at Stryker when it acquired Mako. Dale knows an awful lot about 3D printing orthopedics. Now semi-retired, but advising such firms as Oxford Performance Materials and VulcanForms, he's able to clearly explain the intersection of additive and orthopedics.

AM Ventures portfolio company Incus is developing a method to use lithography metal manufacturing to make small accurate metal parts. What kind of applications work for its technology? How is the company going to grow its business? How do they stack up against binder jet, bound metal, and powder bed fusion? We have an open conversation with Dr. Gerald Mitteramskogler, Incus CEO and founder, about all of this. We also discuss his journey in 3D printing and the future of his firm.

Quantica Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer Ben Hartkopp invented a method of inkjetting extremely viscous, high-performance materials. Moreover, the startup's print heads and materials can provide voxel-level control over a printed part's properties, potentially revolutionizing the dental, medical, printed electronics, bioprinting markets and more.

Quantica is producing its own inkjetting technology itself, which is a huge challenge. Not only will the company have to commercialize a novel piezoelectric process, but it has to do so with an overwhelming world of possibility. The opportunities for Quantica are enormous and we discuss with Ben which ones the firm is tackling first and how.

Kris Binon is at the helm of Flam3D, an organization that began by connecting the Belgian region of Flanders via 3D printing. Later, Flam3D grew to represent research institutes and companies throughout Belgium and, now, the Netherlands. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we talk about how to educate people about 3D printing, as well as how to work with governments and other stakeholders to spread 3D printing around the world.

Charles Bibas worked in the barcode industry for many years, until he discovered a method that could revolutionize 3D printing. With a small team, he created a better optics package for 3D printing. Rather than going for a salvo, Charles's company Tecnica uses a Lens Free Optical Scanner (LFOS or Ogon) to obtain better results for selective laser sintering (SLS). A labor of love for Charles, Tecnica still had a go-to-market strategy. We talk to him about his plans to take this product to market.

When Daghan Cam founded AI Build, the firm's technology was a made up of a single 3D printer attached to a robotic arm for large scale polymer parts. The team did an about face and now focuses on developing the software that controls robotic arm 3D printers, including polymer, composites, concrete and metal. Makers of wire arc additive manufacturing, extrusion, and construction systems are all talking to AI Build now to create their software. With a recent injection of $3.2 million in funding, AI Build is a very exciting company and Daghan tells us its story so far.

Duann Scott is an industrial-designer-turned-business-development specialist who has worked for such illustrious firms as Shapeways, Autodesk, and nTopology. In our interview with him, he talks fluidly about his vision for the 3D printing software market and what is impeding additive manufacturing (AM) from moving forward. Duann is a firm believer in design for additive, working as an educator of these skills and assisting startups through his Bits to Atoms consultancy. Come hear what he has to say about software for a 3D printed world.

Raymond Weitekamp's research at the California Institute of Technology was the basis for a new way to 3D print resin. Now, Weitekamp's trying to commercialize the technology via a startup called polySpectra. Using existing vat polymerization machines, the company can release unique 3D printing materials with functional properties that can withstand real-world conditions.

Rather than sell a machine and resin together, or partner with a single vendor, polySpectra is trying to sell its materials to the emerging "open materials" space, in which customers can use machines with the materials of their choice. Raymond's path is one that will help others in producing more end-use parts with vat polymerization. Will this startup enable the creation of new disruptive parts that will shape the future of 3D printing?

Melissa Snover got started 3D printing candy, but she saw a more meaningful opportunity in 3D printing customized vitamins. Now, you can go to the Nourish3D website, take a quiz, and get your customized vitamin gummies. The idea is that everyone, at every moment, could require a different set of nutrients. Nourish3D has developed its printers in-house to be able to make custom vitamin concoctions to order. I love this idea, the opportunity and Melissa's entrepreneurial zeal and I really hope that you'll enjoy this episode!

Manufacturing consultant Ivan Madera went to California knowing no one there and little about additive manufacturing. Now, his company, Morf3D, 3D prints aerospace and defense parts to the highest tolerances. Picking up investments from EOS, Boeing, and Nikon, the company makes parts that power rockets and satellites. Ivan's ambitions stretch further still. He wants his company to partner with others to make production cells that can lead to a more industrialized form of manufacturing with 3D printing. We talk about what got Ivan to where he is now and where he wants to be in the future. We hope that you really enjoy this episode!

MakerVerse is a Europe-based 3D printing service platform with global ambitions. The company aims to be the place where your orders for all 3D printing technologies come together and get fulfilled by vetted partners. Focused more on manufacturers than individuals, MakerVerse aims to be different than existing 3D printing services. The company is also different because it was founded by Siemens Energy, Zeiss, and other investors. In this episode, we hear from Marcus about the company's vision, goals, and ambitions. There is currently consolidation in 3D printing services, with American startups, SPACs, and traditional players fighting for relevance, as well as scale. What will be the role of MakerVerse's in this? We've yet to see, but, in this podcast, Markus makes a compelling case for his firm.

John Wilczynski is the Executive Director of America Makes. Established a decade ago, America Makes performs research coordination, workforce training and education, standards development, and more for the additive manufacturing industry. John tells us about the progress that the organization has made and the projects that they are involved in. We get a look at some of the technological challenges that America Makes is trying to solve and others that don't fit into its purview. We also get to see just how you can bring an industry together.

You can learn more about America Makes initiatives and many of its member companies’ initiatives too, at the MMX Conference in Youngstown, OH (Aug. 16-18, 2022).

In our latest episode, Ajay Panwar, Sr. Engineering Manager, Design Assurance at Medtronic, discusses the intersection of quality and 3D printing for the medical field. To be clear, Ajay does not speak for or represent Medtronic on the show. He is merely sharing his ideas, knowledge, and best practices. The conversation may have been highly technical, but it does get you thinking about what goes into making a medical device with 3D printing, including the problems, issues, and opportunities.

Enrico Gallino is a materials scientist with Ricoh. The Japanese firm has developed its own powder bed fusion (PBF) technology, rolled out a 3D printing service, has developed an anatomical model 3D printing workflow, and is establishing a binder jetting process. In a candid interview, Enrico discusses Ricoh´s role in 3D printing and what the company is doing. In particular, he details some materials he is excited about, including a thermoset PBF powder that was completely new to Max and I. Really enjoyable interview for us to do and hopefully also for you to listen to.

Israeli firm CASTOR analyses parts. It can then tell you if the part is printable, how much it would cost in different 3D printing technologies, on which part you can save money through mass reduction and much more. CASTOR´s software is a gateway to 3D Printing. Companies can use it to jumpstart their 3D Printing projects or do an analysis of the potential for 3D Printing in their organization. We talk to CEO and founder Omer Blaier about the startup, its abilities and goals.

Sintavia's Brian Neff has built a company that uses a fleet of large metal powder bed fusion systems to 3D print some of the most demanding and technically challenging parts that can be made. In the U.S. aerospace and defense markets, Sintavia is already well-known. Outside of that arena, not so much. We talk with Brian about Sintavia's journey and what the company produces. We talk about the potential of 3D printing for heat exchangers and heat sinks as well as for space. Really interesting episode and we really hope that you enjoy it as well!

Lauralyn McDaniel, of ASME´s Metrix Connect, is incredibly experienced in medical device manufacturing, standards, and additive manufacturing. From the podcast episode, you can hear her brilliant mind operate as she parlays complex concepts into easily digestible material. She's a real wealth of information and we really feel like we can do another four podcasts with her about standards development, aerospace, implementing standards in your organization and more.

Tali Rosman was responsible for a diverse amount of roles worldwide, including at Stratasys and the Israeli Air Force, before landing a job at Xerox. Her task, to lead Xerox's Elem Additive unit. The first job she has is to commercialise ElemX Xerox's drop-by-drop metal 3D printing technology. She tells us how she's going to do that, for what markets it is suited, and what applications she is targeting. No, this is no broad spectrum push or something targeting the usual suspects of aviation or orthopaedics; Tali is taking a tight zoom on the technology's strengths and focusing on aluminum and MRO. It's a fascinating look at an outlier go-to-market that could be a portend of more Xerox technologies to come.

Joseph Crabtree's Additive Manufacturing Technologies is spreading around the world. The company has offices in four countries and its PostPro3D vapor fusion technology is growing. But, Joseph wants more. He wants to move into more post-processing technologies and make a far more integrated solution. Joseph tells us about his plans, his Brexit mitigation strategy, and how he sees the market evolving. Enjoy this episode!

Francesco De Stefano was a consultant before he came to Caracol. You'll notice that when he answers questions about the market and the future of his firm. He had to learn a lot of other things during his time helming the large format AM startup, however. Francesco talks to us about the challenges of printing large parts, the applications, the journey his company has taken and the possibilities.

Ankush Venkatesh passionately tells us about Glidewell Dental's holistic and very vertically integrated adoption of 3D printing. The firm has had to make its own software, deploys over 400 3D printers. and is looking to make its own post-processing solutions, as well. As a large dental lab, the company also uses machine learning to automatically propose 3D printing design files in its operations. What follows is a great look into how a firm can gain a true advantage through creating and deploying technology wisely.

Mathematician Elissa Ross is a member of MESH Consultants, which commercializes mathematical solutions for practical industry problems. METAFOLD is a MESH spinout that aims to rid us of our meshes and STLs by allowing users to create intricate and lightweight lattices and other complex structures. We loved talking to Elissa and finding out how researchers can come out of left field to solve some fundamental issues that our industry has. METAFOLD is also interesting because it has a go to market challenge: How do you commercialize a way to describe and arrange complex 3D printed shapes, lattices, TPMS structures, and more?

CEO of Electroninks Brett Walker shares a roller coaster of an entrepreneur story on the 3DPOD. His company made it big early on. However, disappointment set in early. Yet, the company managed to build itself a new foundation. We talk to Brett about 3D printed inks, conductive ink, and the elusive 3D printing of circuits. We also discuss Electoninks´ Kickstarter and their development as a firm. Great episode especially if you´d like to delve into 3D printed electronics and circuits.

We're very proud to have made it to 100 podcast episodes. We're grateful to you for being there for this journey. In this episode, we look back at the past 100 shows, discuss who we've spoken to, and what we've learned. We really hope that we can do 100 more!

Along with his fellow researchers at Carnegie Melon University, Adam Feinberg developed what is known as FRESH bioprinting technology. We discuss how and why FRESH is important. We also get to talk about Adam's company, FluidForm, which is commercializing FRESH, but perhaps not in the most obvious way. The episode covers how FluidForm is doing the heavy lifting to commercialize its bioprinting techniques as it works towards scalable bioprinting technologies. All in all, an eye opening podcast.