Episodes

Neil Hopkinson, a pioneering 3D printing researcher, played a pivotal role in developing a body of research that is widely utilized today. He also invented High Speed Sintering (HSS), also known as Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF), and successfully commercialized this technology. This journey, of course, was a lengthy process, which he is now completing at Stratasys (Nasdaq: SSYS). We discuss powder bed fusion, the current state of research, and what it takes to bring a new technology to fruiti...

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 appl...

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...

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 co...

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 ...

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 und...

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 tailo...

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 add...

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 ...

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 variou...

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 appl...

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...

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...

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 en...

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 pr...

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. Ha...

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,...

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 ...

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 medica...

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...

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 pro...