Sascha Schwarz is a researcher dedicated to aiding his university, Technical University of Munich (TUM), to foster innovation as CTO of TUM Venture Labs. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we explore diverse startups, the challenges faced by scientists transitioning into entrepreneurial roles, and the incubation of new ventures. Topics include technology transfers, development, and the essential qualities of a successful startup. This conversation is a must-listen for university professionals looking to commercialize technology and for entrepreneurs seeking to gain valuable insights from Sascha's expertise.
Tim Simpson is an advisor to NASA, Professor Emeritus at Penn State, and a consultant for Xact Metal. He is also associated with The Barnes Global Advisors, among numerous other engagements. In this episode of the 3DPOD, our discussion delves into defense, space, and the future of additive manufacturing, exploring critical topics such as commoditization, drones, and advancements in software. It’s an engaging conversation for anyone keen to understand the current state and trajectory of additive technology.
Jim Harrison is a true 3D printing veteran. Currently working at MELD Manufacturing, he has also contributed his expertise to nScrypt, Cimquest, and other notable organizations. As a co-founder of one of the world's first service bureaus and an early pioneer in vat polymerization for medical devices, he operated one of the earliest vat polymerization printers at Pratt & Whitney. Jim's insights and vision not only highlight the evolution of additive manufacturing but also underscore the progress made over decades in the industry.
Trent Esser founded Printerior with his partners and has since pivoted and redefined the company’s focus multiple times. Printerior operates as a 3D printing service that both sells and recycles filament. The company employs a diverse range of equipment, including inexpensive desktop machines, Bambu Lab systems, and large-format printers. Despite producing hundreds of thousands of parts, Printerior has chosen to forgo powder bed fusion, instead focusing on material extrusion. This approach allows the company to remain more fluid and flexible than many of its competitors. In my view, Printerior represents a vanguard reshaping how 3D printing services are delivered.
Harshil Goel founded Dyndrite as a kernel designed for 3D printing. While this core technology remains available for OEMs and software firms, the company now also offers a tool that provides users with greater control over laser operations and settings. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Harshil explains what Dyndrite does and how it is being utilized. We discuss innovative approaches to using, modifying, and adapting settings, as well as methods to accelerate manufacturing processes. Faster build rates and enhanced performance customization are among the topics covered in our conversation.
Pan Michaleris has been working in finite element analysis (FEA) and related fields for decades. As a professor, he contributed significantly to the discipline and later developed CUBES, which was eventually acquired by Autodesk. The CUBES simulation tool is now a key component of Fusion. Since, Pan has established another company, Pan Optimization, whose primary product, PanX, is designed to transform how FEA is conducted. The tool is optimized to run on standard desktop machines, enabling users to perform many more FEA jobs on a wider range of parts. Pan also brings his own unique vision for running and building a business, which I think is a crucial aspect of this episode of the 3DPOD.
In this episode of the 3DPOD, Cassidy Silbernagel, Head of AM Engineering at Exergy Solutions, takes some time to discuss design for additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing, with a strong focus on the energy industry. He explains why oil and gas represent a major growth area for AM, covering the industry’s standards, motivations, and the types of parts being 3D printed. Cassidy dives into materials like Inconel, highlighting their importance to these companies, and provides insights into the manufacturing process for these components. The episode also introduces Exergy, a company with both design and manufacturing expertise, enabling it to manage part production for clients effectively. Notably, Exergy owns the first Wayland Additive machine, which places it in a unique position within the energy sector. This episode will be valuable not only for those in the energy business but also for other specialized firms looking to achieve similar success through deep expertise and a tailored approach to client needs.
Lincoln Electric is a storied, large company in welding. The company collaborated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop a welding technology that is now actively used in production. Lincoln Electric manufactures oil and gas pressure vessels, industrial components, and submarine parts. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Mark Douglass, Business Development Manager for Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions, shares insights about the company’s journey in additive manufacturing and its growth ambitions. Lincoln Electric utilizes Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), and Mark explains when this technology is the optimal choice and when it is not. The sheer size of the objects Lincoln produces—ranging into the thousands of pounds—is truly impressive. This podcast will likely inspire many to take a closer look at WAAM.
Janet Dickinson entered 3D printing after a career spanning over 25 years in IT and Operations. She joined Endeavor 3D as its CRO and now serves as the COO of the additive manufacturing-focused contract manufacturer. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we talk to Janet about operations, efficiency, price calculations, and production optimization. Endeavor 3D has a significant number of Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) systems, so we also discuss MJF technology. Additionally, the company is an early adopter of HP's MetalJet, giving us the opportunity to learn how that process is progressing and where they see opportunities in binder jetting and with the MetalJet system. Janet also shares her insights on the future of contract manufacturing and 3D printing in a candid and informative discussion for anyone involved in manufacturing with 3D printing.
Greg Hayes is the senior vice president of EOS' Additive Minds. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we have a broad discussion about additive manufacturing, the future, and what needs to be done to bring it about. We learn about training, people, machines, and all the components of a 3D-printed future. Greg also shares some of his personal experiences, making for a great episode.
Ian Muceus worked at NASA, as a consultant, and at software firms, including Origin, Stratasys, and other companies. He brings this broad experience to Firestorm, a company aiming to produce drones close to the point of need. 3D printing many of the components of a drone could allow for customization, improvement, and redesign right before deployment. This approach could also enable drones to be made more quickly and efficiently. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we explore Firestorm's vision, how the company is implementing it, and the future of drones.
Fabian Alefeld is a Senior Manager at EOS's Additive Minds. One of his day-to-day responsibilities is overseeing EOS Academy, which focuses on educating people about 3D printing. In our conversation, we discuss education, as well as trends, materials, new applications, and much more. While we touch on EOS and its ecosystem, the focus is much broader. There is a lot to unpack in this lively discussion.
On this episode of the 3DPOD, 3D printing consultant Ryan Hayford discusses marketing, branding, leads, and more with your hosts, Max and Joris. While we touch on Ryan's past experience in additive, the main focus is on how to effectively market your 3D printing brand. How should you define and implement your go-to-market strategy in additive? What’s important, and what are some tips on the marketing front? A super useful episode!
Dr. Krysten Minnici is a scientist who now works in business development at Arkema. In this episode, we discuss PEKK, PAEK, polymers, powder bed fusion materials, recycling rates, 3D printing material development, and more. We also cover Rilsan, plant-based polymers, sustainability, and new applications. Krysten takes the time to explain key concepts about polymers and performance. This is a great episode to learn about high-performance polymers and additive. Disclaimer: Views expressed here are Krysten's own and do not reflect the views of her employer!
Danny Piper, of NewCap Partners, helps companies with mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, and more, particularly in the additive manufacturing sector. As an analyst and sparring partner for the industry, Danny is known for being insightful, forthright, and bold. As you can learn from his podcast, Printing Money, he’s unafraid to share unpopular opinions that may make you uncomfortable but will push you to think critically and make the right decisions. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we discuss current issues surrounding funding, exits, growth, consolidation, and the market as a whole. We really enjoyed this discussion and hope you will too.
Glynn Fletcher is the President of EOS North America. Transitioning from the machine tool world to 3D printing has given him a unique perspective compared to many others in our industry. He is outspoken, direct, and clear in his views on both the immediate and long-term future of the industry. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we spoke with Glynn about the past, the current state of the market, downturns, and a hopeful future. He is very positive about the near-term outlook for EOS and optimistic about the long-term prospects for the industry. Strap in for this fun ride.
Matthias Schmidt-Lehr began his career at Laser Zentrum Nord, now known as Fraunhofer IAPT. He later became a researcher at the University of Hamburg before co-founding the startup Bionic Production. Afterward, Matthias decided to launch AMPOWER, a 3D printing consultancy that publishes research reports and assists companies in the additive manufacturing sector. In our conversation, Matthias shares his journey in additive manufacturing, explains how his company has evolved, and discusses the ways they have supported their clients. We also explore his insights on the market and the future of additive manufacturing.
Aleksander Ciszek co-founded 3YOURMIND and has helped build the business over the past decade. In this episode of the 3DPOD, he discusses pivots, strategy, software, defense, energy, growth, and more. We appreciated learning from Aleksander's perspective on strategy and the market in general. He also shares insights on the future of maintenance, repair, and overhaul; the digital warehouse; and 3D printing. How should a company like 3YOURMIND position itself in the software market, and what does its future hold?
Brigitte de Vet-Veithen, who previously led Materialise's medical unit, has transitioned into the CEO role at the 3D printing service and software firm. In our discussion, we explore what makes Materialise unique. We also delve into the potential of each of the company's units, discussing opportunities for implants in the developing world, personalized implants, medical software, the cloud, desktop 3D printing, manufacturing, aerospace, and more.
Wei Jiang founded medicine 3D printing startup Craft Health as a Pharmacy student. I love it when practitioners and people from other backgrounds establish 3D printing companies. It often leads to user-driven companies that cater well to those trying to use additive manufacturing. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we follow Craft Health’s journey from inception to funding and the release of the firm's 3D printer for pharmaceuticals. We discuss release kinetics, approvals, drug delivery, compounding pharmacies, dosage forms, polypills, delayed release, nutrition, dementia care, and much more. 3D printing for pharmaceuticals has significant potential, and not enough people are paying attention.