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3Degrees Discussions

3Degrees Discussions
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Dr. Mike Vasquez is a 3D Printing expert specializing in pushing the boundaries of advanced 3D printing technology. He is the Founder and CEO of 3Degrees, a Chicago-based consulting company focused on helping organizations maximize their investment in the technology. Over the past decade he has worked side-by-side with some of the top machine manufacturers, material producers and end users in the industry, consulting with them to identify novel applications, test new materials and develop frameworks to maximize R&D efficiency and boost ROI.
Based on insights gleaned from the consulting, Mike has spun out two additional organizations. First, a software company called TraceAM with the mission to help manufacturers organize and analyze their 3D Printing digital data. In the last year, they have worked with customers such as Air Force Research Lab, Renishaw, Ohio State University and Fabrisonic. The second organization, AMx or Advanced Manufacturing Experience, was created by Mike to offer an on-ramp for new workers from disadvantaged regions looking to enter the field of Advanced Manufacturing. A voluntary effort designed to give back to the industry and community, the pilot course was run in the West Side of Chicago and with support from America Makes and West Side Forward. In 2022, AMx is hoping to secure funding to branch out to multiple cities and regions.
He completed his PhD in Additive Manufacturing at Loughborough University and received both his Bachelors and Masters from MIT in Materials Science and Engineering. Mike is regularly asked to speak as an expert on the topic of 3D Printing and has given talks at SxSW, the National Association of Attorneys General annual meeting and numerous industry conferences. Mike is the host of 3Degrees Discussions, a weekly podcast where he speaks with the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the 3D Printing industry. Currently the show has over 89 episodes including interviews from leaders at NASA, Ford and Boeing.
Based on insights gleaned from the consulting, Mike has spun out two additional organizations. First, a software company called TraceAM with the mission to help manufacturers organize and analyze their 3D Printing digital data. In the last year, they have worked with customers such as Air Force Research Lab, Renishaw, Ohio State University and Fabrisonic. The second organization, AMx or Advanced Manufacturing Experience, was created by Mike to offer an on-ramp for new workers from disadvantaged regions looking to enter the field of Advanced Manufacturing. A voluntary effort designed to give back to the industry and community, the pilot course was run in the West Side of Chicago and with support from America Makes and West Side Forward. In 2022, AMx is hoping to secure funding to branch out to multiple cities and regions.
He completed his PhD in Additive Manufacturing at Loughborough University and received both his Bachelors and Masters from MIT in Materials Science and Engineering. Mike is regularly asked to speak as an expert on the topic of 3D Printing and has given talks at SxSW, the National Association of Attorneys General annual meeting and numerous industry conferences. Mike is the host of 3Degrees Discussions, a weekly podcast where he speaks with the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the 3D Printing industry. Currently the show has over 89 episodes including interviews from leaders at NASA, Ford and Boeing.
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From South Bend, Indiana, welcome to 3Degrees Discussions, a podcast devoted to sharing the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the 3D printing industry.
In this episode, host Mike Vasquez sits down with Sabina Kumar, Lead Additive Engineer at Eaton. Sabina brings a deep technical background in materials science and a passion for pushing the boundaries of metal additive manufacturing. Her work focuses on understanding thermo-mechanical effects in titanium alloys and exploring the thermodynamics and phase stability of high-performance metals.
Tune in to hear how Sabina’s research and professional experience are driving innovation in aerospace and beyond.
🎧 Listen Anywhere: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🌐 Learn More: www.3degreescompany.com
📩 Contact Us: info@3degreescompany.com
Aaron Chow | AI, Lattices & the Future of 3D Printing Design | 3Degrees Discussions Podcast
In this episode, Mike Vasquez sits down with Aaron Chow, co-founder and CEO of Vixiv, a Cincinnati-based startup revolutionizing the way engineers design and test 3D-printed parts. With deep experience in electrical engineering and additive manufacturing, Aaron shares how his team is using AI and real-world failure data to optimize complex lattice structures for strength, weight, and performance.
We talk about the evolution of Vixiv (formerly Voxel), the challenges of turning physical testing into usable digital insights, and how his work could reshape design-to-manufacture workflows across industries.
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🌐 Learn more at: https://www.3degreescompany.com
📩 Contact us at: info@3degreescompany.com
#3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #Vixiv #AI #Engineering #Lattices #AdvancedManufacturing #DesignOptimization #3DegreesDiscussions
From South Bend, Indiana – welcome to 3Degrees Discussions. I’m your host, Mike Vasquez.
In this episode, I’m joined by Paweł Slusarczyk, a leading writer, analyst, and consultant in the 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing industry. Paweł is known for reshaping the AM narrative in 2024—challenging assumptions, exposing what others often leave unsaid, and cutting through the hype.
He runs The 3D Printing War Journal, contributes to top publications, and has authored thousands of pieces on 3D printing. Beyond his writing, Paweł is a trusted connector, helping companies grow, build partnerships, and access insider knowledge across the AM landscape.
Before we dive in, be sure to subscribe at www.3degreescompany.com and follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher.
If your company needs support with materials, qualification, or general Additive Manufacturing projects, contact us at info@3degreescompany.com.
🎙️ Welcome to 3Degrees Discussions, a podcast from South Bend, Indiana, hosted by Mike Vasquez.
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Molitch-Hou, Content Strategy and Marketing Manager for Global Advanced Manufacturing Programs at ASTM International. Michael leads communications for the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) and brings over a decade of 3D printing experience to his role, helping shape the global conversation around advanced manufacturing standards, outreach, and innovation.
📢 Don’t forget to subscribe at www.3degreescompany.com and catch every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Looking for support with materials, qualification, or additive manufacturing strategy? Reach out to our team at info@3degreescompany.com.
#3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #Podcast #ASTM #AMCoE #ManufacturingInnovation #3DegreesDiscussions
3Degrees Discussions | Episode 150
"The State of 3D Printing, AI, Tariffs — and Mike’s Favorite Movie"
Guest Host: Caroline Vasquez
For this special 150th episode, the mic gets turned on 3Degrees founder and CEO Mike Vasquez — with his wife, Caroline, leading the conversation. This wide-ranging discussion covers where the 3D printing industry stands today, how tariffs and global dynamics are shaping manufacturing, and the growing influence of AI on design, production, and workflows.
And because no milestone episode is complete without a little fun, Caroline also digs into Mike’s all-time favorite movie and what it says about his approach to life and business.
A candid, insightful, and personal look at where advanced manufacturing is heading — and what keeps Mike inspired along the way.
From South Bend, Indiana — welcome to 3Degrees Discussions! I’m your host, Mike Vasquez. This podcast dives into the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the future of the 3D Printing industry.
In this episode, we sit down with Laurie Krupa, a seasoned sales leader who has made a major impact in the world of additive manufacturing. Laurie brings years of experience in driving growth and community engagement across the AM sector. She’s also an active force in Women in 3D Printing, organizing events to connect and empower others in the space.
🔥 Exciting update — Laurie now runs her own business: Clearlake Insights, where she continues her mission to move the industry forward through strategic insights and partnerships.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Stitcher.
👉 Subscribe and learn more at: www.3degreescompany.com
📬 Looking for support in materials, qualification, or general AM challenges? Contact us at info@3degreescompany.com
#3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #WomenIn3DPrinting #ClearlakeInsights #Innovation #3DegreesDiscussions #Podcast
Welcome to 3Degrees Discussions, the podcast that brings you the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the 3D printing industry. Hosted by Mike Vasquez from South Bend, Indiana, we dive into the cutting-edge world of additive manufacturing.
In this episode, we sit down with Faisal Iqbal, Head of Digital for Baker Hughes Additive Business Services. I first met Faisal at the ASTM ICAM conference, where he shared valuable insights on how his team is revolutionizing data management. With a career that began at GE, Faisal brings a unique perspective on the intersection of digital transformation and additive manufacturing.
Subscribe to 3Degrees Discussions on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or Stitcher. For more content and additive manufacturing expertise, visit www.3degreescompany.com or reach out to our team at info@3degreescompany.com.
3Degrees Discussions is a podcast dedicated to exploring the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the 3D printing industry. Hosted by Mike Vasquez from South Bend, Indiana, each episode dives into groundbreaking advancements, industry challenges, and the people shaping the future of additive manufacturing.
In this episode, we welcome Harshil Goel, an inventor, engineer, and mathematician with degrees in pure mathematics and mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley. As the leader of Dyndrite, Harshil is on a mission to revolutionize digital manufacturing through modern software innovations.
Subscribe to 3Degrees Discussions at www.3degreescompany.com and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. For additive manufacturing support, materials, and qualification inquiries, contact the team at info@3degreescompany.com.
That was Elissa Ross. Elissa has been working at the intersection of mathematics and manufacturing for the last 15 years. She’s the CEO of Metafold where they’ve created design and engineering software for additive manufacturing. Their team builds ultra-robust, geometric infrastructure for 3D printing and industry 4.0. Today she shares her journey from mathematics to Additive Manufacturing and her entrepreneurial journey along the way.
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
That was Nick Sonnentag. Nick founded Sunnyday Technologies in 2023 and converted his basement workshop into a fully-functioning concrete additive manufacturing lab where he works several nights a week to test, create, and modify binder systems for 3D printing. Nick currently works at Oshkosh Corporation where he leads efforts to integrate advanced manufacturing methods and materials into heavy-duty automotive applications with a strong emphasis on large-scale 3D printing technologies. This included work with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to investigate and develop a construction 3D printer system for portland cement based mortar.
Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
That was Mohammad Elahinia. Mohammed is currently serving as Interim Dean of the College of Engineering, was most recently the Chair and a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (MIME). He serves as Director of the Dynamic and Smart Systems Laboratory at The University of Toledo. He has been on the faculty of UToledo since 2004.
Mohammed graduated from Villanova University with an MS degree and from Virginia Tech with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering respectively in 2001 and 2004. Dr. Elahinia’s research interests are in smart and active materials. His current research is focused on additive manufacturing of functional materials such as shape memory alloys for aerospace and biomedical application.
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
Be sure to check out our website www.3degreescompany.com for more content.
That was Mohsen Taheri Andani. Mohsen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, with a courtesy appointment in Materials Science & Engineering. He received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2022 under the supervision of Prof. Amit Misra. His research focuses on establishing the inter-relationship between processing, microstructure, and properties in metallic materials. Mohsen has worked on several material characterization projects and has published over 35 journal articles in the areas of metal additive manufacturing, materials characterization, and mechanical properties of materials
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
Be sure to check out our website www.3degreescompany.com for more content.
More info: www.3degreescompany.com
Quick recap
In the meeting, Mike and Jack discussed a new series of interviews highlighting professionals in various fields. The first interviewee, Jack, detailed his career path in 3D printing and custom orthotics at Sure Step, a company founded by his father. The discussion also covered the integration of 3D printing into traditional manufacturing processes, the skills required for success in a lab environment, and future advancements in 3D printing technology.
That was Andy Davis. Andy spent most of his 19 years with the Army working in and around manufacturing technology and the defense industrial base. In his role with the Department of Defense (DoD), Andy was part of the team that responded to the White House call to establish the Manufacturing USA institutes, championed the initial Army, and eventually DoD-wide additive manufacturing technology roadmaps; and convened key Army AM leaders to form the Army’s AM Community of Practice (CoP), all leading to a more coordinated and collaborative strategy behind the Army’s advanced manufacturing investments. His last position with the DoD, prior to joining TBGA, was as the Deputy Director and Chief Technology Officer of the Industrial Base Analysis & Sustainment (IBAS) program
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
That was Matt Donovan. Matt has had a long and successful career in the Additive Manufacturing sector going back to the early days of the technology. He started his career as a Manufacturing Engineering and he shares his story today on the winding paths he’s taken in the world of 3D Printing.
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
That was Sarah Jordan. Sarah is a metallurgical engineer and materials scientist who is passionate about solving problems, process improvement, and process efficiency. She has worked in metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) since 2015. Sarah is currently focused on developing a new hybrid process called additive manufacturing evaporative casting (AMEC) at her company Skuld Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
That was Steven Szymeczek. Steven is a mechanical engineer with more than 12 years of experience across aerospace, oil & gas, consumer, and medical device industries. His broad areas of expertise include product development, engineering, and implementing design for traditional & Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing strategies.
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
That was Jordan Weston. Jordan is now a full time employee with the Additive Manufacturing Users Group conference having previously spent a number of years supporting and leading AM efforts at the Milwaukee School of Engineering
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
Be sure to check out our website www.3degreescompany.com for more content.
Dr. Frazier founded Pilgrim Consulting LLC following a successful 39 year long career within the Department of the Navy. Upon retiring, he held the positions of “The Navy Senior Scientist for Materials Engineering,” and “The Chief Scientist for the Air Vehicle Department” at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Dr. Bill Frazier received his BS, MS, and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Engineering from Drexel University
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com
That was Tali Rosman. Tali is a recognized business leader in the AM space having worked on multiple deals through out the sector. In today’s episode she shares her career journey with stops along the way at Stratasys and Xerox.
Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, and or general Additive Manufacturing support. Reach out to the team through our website or via email at info@3degreescompany.com