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In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Oliver Elbert, Head of Additive Manufacturing at Grenzebach, to discuss the pivotal role of automation in scaling additive manufacturing. They delve into Grenzebach’s extensive expertise in industrial automation and its recent ventures into additive manufacturing. The conversation covers the challenges and benefits of automating post-processing tasks, increasing equipment efficiency, and optimizing labor dynamics. They also explore notable projects like the Next Gen AM and the Polyline project, highlighting how automation can significantly enhance production availability and reduce manual intervention. Oliver provides insights into the integration of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robots, and job exchangers in additive manufacturing, and discusses the future potential of fully automated production environments.   00:00 Introduction to Additive Snack Podcast   00:18 The Challenge of Automating Additive Manufacturing   01:07 Introducing Grenzebach and Oliver Elbert   02:22 History and Evolution of Grenzebach   06:33 Grenzebach’s Entry into Additive Manufacturing   08:31 The Slow Adoption of Automation in Additive Manufacturing   14:34 The Dual Setup Station and Its Impact   19:25 Automation Solutions for Various Industries   23:52 The Future of Automation in Additive Manufacturing   24:48 Challenges and Opportunities in Automation   34:13 The Role of Humanoids in Industrial AM   36:20 Conclusion and Future Outlook  

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes Kristin Mulherin, the Director of Additive Manufacturing Technology at Hubbell Inc., to discuss the creation and development of an additive manufacturing center of excellence within a 150-year-old corporation. Kristin shares her extensive journey through various roles in the additive industry, from Northrop Grumman to HP, and her significant input in initiatives like Women in 3D Printing. She discusses Hubbell's historical background and the strategic decisions behind establishing the AM center, including technology choices, cost management, and internal education to drive innovation.     The episode covers specific applications, the challenges of shifting from prototyping to production, and the importance of cross-departmental education within the company to leverage the full potential of additive manufacturing.    00:00 Introduction to the Additive Snack Podcast    01:40 Meet Kristen Mulherin: A Journey in Additive Manufacturing    05:07 Kristen's Role at Hubbell Inc. and Industry Insights    06:11 Women in 3D Printing and Leadership    07:46 Building Hubbell Inc.’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence    15:25 Technology Stack and Future Plans at Hubbell    19:30 Exploring New Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing    21:38 Balancing Cost and Lead Time in Additive Manufacturing    22:08 Value Drivers in Additive Manufacturing   

In the second part of this two-part episode series of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian welcomes Dr. Edward Herderick, Director of Education and Workforce Development at America Makes, to discuss the maturation of additive manufacturing. They delve into the evolution of the technology, its impact on the industry, and the importance of specialized education to foster a capable workforce.  Dr. Herderick shares insights on the integration of creative and engineering disciplines, the need for hands-on experience, and the role of the investment community in driving the industry's growth. The conversation also touches on the significance of industry partnerships in reshaping education, making additive manufacturing more accessible, and preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. 01:33 The Evolution of Additive Manufacturing 02:12 Integration of Art and Engineering 05:00 Specialization in Additive Manufacturing 08:44 Industry Trends and Workforce Development 15:25 Additive Manufacturing in Education 39:50 Hands-On Experience and T-Shaped Expertise 50:55 Investment and Market Segmentation  

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Kimberly Gibson from America Makes for the first part of a two-part series focusing on the advancements and policy drivers in additive manufacturing in the U.S. Kimberly dives into the history and mission of America Makes, provides insights on policy innovation, industrial resilience, and how these factors are converging to reshape U.S. and global manufacturing landscapes.  Highlighting the critical roles of workforce development, digital manufacturing, and ecosystem integration, Kimberly also discusses the importance of diversifying the industrial base's focus beyond defense and shares updates on current legislative initiatives like the National Defense Authorization Act. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on the transformative potential of additive manufacturing. 00:30 Meet Kimberly Gibson and Ed Herrick from America Makes 01:26 Kimberly's Journey and the Evolution of America Makes 03:35 The Role of America Makes in US Manufacturing 06:28 Challenges and Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing 11:49 The Importance of Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity 19:22 Government's Role in Accelerating Additive Manufacturing 25:07 Diversifying Beyond Defense Contracts 28:54 Congress Signals Support for Advanced Manufacturing 29:33 Senate Bill 2214 and the Additive Industry 31:44 Challenges in the Additive Manufacturing Sector 33:41 Right to Repair and Sustainment Issues 35:53 Unprecedented Demand for Additive Manufacturing 37:54 Additive Manufacturing in Various Sectors 43:39 Energy Sector and Additive Manufacturing 46:32 Additive Construction and Future Prospects 49:14 Teaming and Collaboration Opportunities 50:23 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld delves into the technically demanding world of gas turbines with Dr. Ilya Fedorov, an R&D project manager at Siemens Energy. The discussion covers the transformative impact of additive manufacturing on turbo machinery, touching on innovations in combustion systems, turbine blades, and repair processes.  Dr. Fedorov explains how Siemens Energy harnesses additive manufacturing to improve performance, strengthen supply chains, and embrace green fuels like hydrogen. The episode also explores the rigorous qualification processes for additive components, the development of new materials, and the potential future advancements in the sector. Long-Term Lifetime Validation of Hot Turbine Guide Vanes Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion | J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power | ASME Digital Collection 00:00 Introduction to Additive Manufacturing in Gas Turbines 01:47 Ilya Fedorov's Journey into Additive Manufacturing 05:00 The Light Bulb Moment: Realizing Additive's Potential 09:49 Siemens Energy's Additive Manufacturing Strategy 15:03 Challenges and Innovations in Gas Turbine Environments 19:25 Additive Manufacturing Applications in Gas Turbines 25:11 Repair and Longevity of Gas Turbine Components 36:52 Qualification and Testing of Additive Components 44:57 Materials and Process Development in Additive Manufacturing 49:39 Future Directions and Challenges in Additive Manufacturing 59:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes Eythor Eiriksson, founder and CEO of euler, a company revolutionizing process monitoring and quality assurance in additive manufacturing. They delve into how euler leverages AI and data from existing sensors to improve print outcomes without requiring additional hardware. Eiriksson shares his journey from Iceland to founding euler, the company's objectives, and their strategies for problem-solving in the additive manufacturing space.   The discussion also touches on the practical applications of AI, user experiences, and the future of additive manufacturing technology. Eiriksson talks about euler’s upcoming product launch at Formnext and its potential to transform the industry by providing real-time monitoring and predictive alerts, ultimately aiming to ensure high-quality prints and reduce costly failures.  00:00 Welcome to Additive Snack Podcast  00:10 Guest Introduction: Eythor Eiriksson and euler  01:21 Eythor's Journey and Background  03:03 Challenges in Additive Manufacturing  04:43 Founding of euler and Initial Steps  05:41 Comparison with Tesla's Autonomous Strategy  07:22 euler's Mission and Vision  09:35 Product Launch and User Experience  15:00 Technical Insights and Failure Detection  28:59 Future of AI in Additive Manufacturing  42:24 Closing Remarks 

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld delves into the intersection of journalism and additive manufacturing (AM) with Matt Kremenetsky, an analyst from 3Dprint.com. They discuss various aspects of AM, from its breakthroughs and challenges to its role in broader manufacturing ecosystems and supply chains. The conversation covers significant topics including the impact of recent policy shifts, next-wave applications, and changes in the media landscape relating to AM. Matt shares insights on the evolving nature of workforce development and its importance in the manufacturing sector, as well as the future potential for strategic R&D partnerships and investment incentives.  Listeners gain an in-depth understanding of emerging market applications in defense, data centers, satellite technology, and power grids, highlighting the importance of thermal management as a unique benefit AM can offer. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and future outlooks in the AM industry.   00:25 Meet Matt Kremenetsky: Analyst for 3DPrint.com 00:52 Diving into Additive Manufacturing Journalism 02:15 Matt's Journey into AM 03:55 The Evolution of AM 06:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Additive Media 10:44 The Role of Additive in Modern Manufacturing 17:26 Workforce Development and Policy in Additive 29:54 Respect for Manufacturing in Germany and Japan 30:44 The Rise of Trade Careers in the US 31:37 Gen Z's Work Ethic and Technology's Impact 34:34 AI's Threat to Entry-Level Jobs 35:42 Policies Supporting Manufacturing Investments 41:42 Strategic R&D Partnerships and Tax Implications 46:23 Future Applications of AM

In this episode of the Additive Snack podcast, host Fabian Feld interviews Christopher Beeson from ExxonMobil, exploring the integration of additive manufacturing (AM) into the oil and gas industry. Christopher shares his personal journey from traditional welding to 3D printing and outlines ExxonMobil's strategic initiatives in adopting additive manufacturing. Key topics include the company's partnerships with universities, the deployment of advanced technologies like laser powder bed fusion and wire DED, and the establishment of a digital supply network to streamline production.  Christopher also highlights the role of the Louisiana Additive Manufacturing Association in workforce development and discusses the challenges and future potential of scaling additive manufacturing within the sector. The episode concludes with details about the upcoming Additive Manufacturing Oil and Gas Summit in Houston, and the significance of industry collaboration in advancing these technologies. 00:46 Guest Introduction: Christopher Beeson from ExxonMobil 01:36 Chris's Journey into Oil and Gas and Additive Manufacturing 04:53 ExxonMobil's Additive Manufacturing Initiatives 07:45 Scaling Additive Manufacturing Across ExxonMobil 14:35 Field Node and Industry Collaboration 21:07 Applications and Future of Additive Manufacturing 28:26 Urgent Need for Replacement Parts 28:48 Understanding Bubble Caps 29:13 Machinery Anti-Wicking Device 30:24 Additive Manufacturing Projects 33:52 Workforce Development and Partnerships 37:34 Scaling Additive Manufacturing 42:28 Future of Additive Manufacturing in Oil and Gas 43:00 Challenges and Solutions in Additive Manufacturing 51:22 Additive Manufacturing Summit 52:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

In this episode of the Additive Snack podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes Dr. Mohsen Seifi, Vice President of Global Advanced Manufacturing Programs at ASTM International. This insightful conversation covers the convergence of additive manufacturing with adjacent technologies such as robotics, AI, and quantum biotech. Dr. Seifi discusses the initiatives led by ASTM to push additive manufacturing forward, the importance of standards, and the role of ASTM in shaping global manufacturing dynamics.    The episode dives into the historical and current role of ASTM, the transformation and strategic acquisitions like that of Wohlers Associates, and the global adoption of additive manufacturing across various regions. The episode also highlights the significant impact of defense sectors on additive adoption, upcoming trends in the industry, and a preview of the 10th-anniversary ICAM conference. The discussion underscores the importance of standardization, workforce development, and the strategic role of data in advancing additive manufacturing.      00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome     03:14 Overview of ASTM and Additive Manufacturing     07:32 The Role of AI and Data in Additive Manufacturing     23:14 Global Adoption and Regional Dynamics     33:03 Collaborative Technology and Industry Challenges     34:03 Hurdles in Additive Manufacturing Adoption     38:20 Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing     44:28 Defense Sector's Role in Additive Manufacturing     53:09 Global Investments and Resilience in Additive Manufacturing     57:29 ICAM Conference and Industry Collaboration     01:02:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes back Paul Gradl, Principal Engineer at NASA, for a deep dive into the latest advances and challenges in additive manufacturing. Paul shares how NASA has expanded the range of available materials, pioneering alloys like GR COP and GRX 810 for extreme environments, and how these innovations are now being used in industries beyond aerospace.  The conversation covers the rapid acceleration of material development through advanced modeling and early AI adoption, the technical hurdles of scaling up to larger parts, and the realities of additive manufacturing in space—from lunar construction to the potential of asteroid mining. Paul also discusses the importance of learning from failures, NASA’s commitment to public data sharing, and his passion for mentorship and STEM education, both at work and at home. Whether you’re an industry veteran or new to additive, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.  Sign up for the NASA Metal AM Master Class today: Metal AM Master Class with NASA | EOS Store - US  2:00 - The Evolution of Additive Materials NASA is expanding material options and redefining what’s possible with additive. 7:45 - Material Highlights & Cross-Industry Applications Paul discusses GR COP, GRX 810, and their applications beyond aerospace. 13:45 - AI, Machine Learning & Accelerating Alloy Development AI and modeling are accelerating how new alloys are developed. 17:50 - Scaling Up: Big Parts & NASA’s Role NASA is driving the shift toward larger, room-sized additive parts. 23:45 - How Much of a Rocket is Additive? Additive plays a growing—but complementary—role in rocket manufacturing. 26:30 - Additive in Satellites, Space, and In-Space Manufacturing Additive is key to building satellites, landers, and lunar systems. 32:00 - Lunar Regolith, Moon Dust, and Asteroid Mining NASA explores using Moon dust and asteroids for future construction. 36:50 - Learning from Failure: Engine Test Stand Story A test stand failure highlights the importance of understanding the process. 43:45 –Metal AM Master Class Announcement Details on Paul and Omar’s upcoming metal AM master class. 46:30 - Mentorship, STEM, and 3D Printing at Home Paul shares how he supports STEM education at NASA and at home.    

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Thomas Pomorski, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Ursa Major. Tom discusses his extensive background in additive manufacturing, including his work at Bechtel Plant Machinery and Penn United. He shares insights into Ursa Major's journey in scaling propulsion manufacturing for space and defense, emphasizing the importance of insourcing, quality systems, and the iterative approach in additive development.  Tom delves into the challenges and solutions in scaling additive manufacturing, including complex parameter strategies, automation, and flexible manufacturing. He also highlights Ursa Major’s products, such as the Hadley and Draper engines, and the company's innovative approach to solid rocket motor manufacturing. The episode concludes with Tom's advice for companies looking to scale additive manufacturing operations and a look into the future of the industry. 01:46 Tom's Journey into Additive Manufacturing 02:04 Early Career and First Additive Roles 04:38 Joining Ursa Major and Initial Challenges 10:11 Vertical Integration and Scaling Challenges 20:14 Advanced Additive Strategies and Collaborations 26:28 Automating Build Setups with Python 26:58 Challenges in Hiring Additive Process Engineers 28:06 Building a Passionate and Skilled Team 29:30 Leveraging Local Talent and Resources 31:17 Collaborating Across the Aerospace and Defense Industry 32:50 URS's Product Portfolio and Additive Manufacturing 35:34 Flexible Manufacturing for Solid Rocket Motors 39:07 Future Developments in Additive Manufacturing 41:35 The Importance of Material Development 46:29 Scaling Operations and Advice for Newcomers  

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Mahdi Jamshid and Scott Sevcik of the ASTM Additive Manufacturing Community to discuss significant trends and insights within the additive manufacturing industry. They delve into the history and evolution of the Wohlers Report, various advancements in different sectors like defense and consumer products, and the impact of geopolitical factors such as trade policies on the industry. The discussion also covers the maturity of additive manufacturing, the role of standards and certifications provided by ASTM, and future growth projections. Mahdi and Scott offer a comprehensive view of how the industry has evolved and what to expect in the coming years.  01:47 History and Evolution of Wohlers Report  02:54 Wohler Report's Acquisition and Transformation  06:35 Consulting and Advisory Services  13:46 Emerging Trends in Additive Manufacturing  30:28 Challenges and Slowdowns in the Industry  38:01 Scalability in Hardware vs. Software Investments  39:07 Impact of Politics and Trade Policies on Additive Manufacturing  39:55 Complexities and Uncertainties in Global Supply Chains  46:18 European Union's Defense Spending and Additive Manufacturing  52:50 Role of Standards in Additive Manufacturing  01:02:44 Future Trends and Industry Growth Projections  01:14:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   

In this episode of the podcast, host Fabian Alefeld interviews Chris Holshouser, Deputy Program Director of Maritime Systems at BlueForge Alliance. They discuss the Navy's ambitious projects, focusing on advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and workforce development. Chris elaborates on the challenges and goals associated with the Columbia and Virginia class submarines, the importance of enhancing the maritime industrial base, and the need for skilled labor in manufacturing. The conversation also touches on the establishment of the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, partnerships with various organizations, and the long-term vision for modernization and technological integration in shipbuilding.  More information on the Maritime Industrial Base Additive Manufacturing Excellence training available here.     01:23 Meet Chris and BlueForge Alliance  02:37 Mission and Impact of BlueForge Alliance  04:32 Understanding the US Navy's Triad and Submarine Classes  07:03 Challenges in Modernizing the Industrial Base  12:30 Role of Additive Manufacturing in the Navy  19:26 Understanding Metallurgy in Welding  19:40 Applications and Supply Chain Impact  21:22 Certification and Qualification Process  22:42 Additive Manufacturing in Practice  24:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing  28:17 Interdisciplinary Nature of Additive Manufacturing  30:18 Evaluating Parts for Additive Manufacturing  32:54 Advancements in Additive Manufacturing  37:01 Future Directions and Call to Action   

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld interviews Alex Oster, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Autodesk. The conversation spans Alex's journey from his early career in 1998 in Bavaria to his current influential role at Autodesk. They delve into the evolution of the additive manufacturing industry, from its early days to the current market dynamics and innovations, including the impact of AI and simulation technologies.   Alex shares stories from his time at FIT and Netfabb, including the challenges and innovations they faced. He explains Autodesk's strategy of integrating specialized tools into one cohesive platform, Fusion 360, which offers comprehensive solutions for both industrial and mass-market applications. They also discuss the crucial role of workforce development and the importance of making advanced manufacturing tools accessible to students and professionals. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of additive manufacturing and the impact of AI on the industry.  01:09 Alex's Journey into Additive Manufacturing  02:32 Early Industry Challenges and Innovations  07:29 Growth and Development of NetFabb  12:16 Impact of FDM Revolution  21:32 Autodesk Acquisition and Integration  30:13 Fusion 360: A Comprehensive Tool  37:31 Workforce Development and Industry Adoption  47:15 The Rise of Low-Cost Machines  48:29 The Evolution of Metal Additive Manufacturing  49:43 Western Machine Vendors and Market Dynamics  50:03 High-End Custom Machines and Industry Trends  53:49 AI's Role in Additive Manufacturing  54:44 Autodesk's Product Strategy and Market Position  56:52 Simulation and Surrogate Modeling  01:10:01 Challenges in Polymer Simulation  01:11:30 AI and Computer Vision in Manufacturing  01:14:30 The Future of Manufacturing Integration 

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes Brad Rothenberg, CEO and founder of nTop, formerly known as nTopology. They discuss the evolution of additive manufacturing and nTop’s role over the past three to four years. Topics include the founding story of nTop, the concept of implicit modeling, and how design tools have rapidly changed. Brad shares insights on using nTop for aviation design, thermal management, and heat exchanger design, pointing out the shift from traditional CAD to innovative parametric modeling for effective engineering solutions. They also explore the future impact of AI on engineering and how nTop is integrating AI to enhance design processes. The episode closes with a look at educational resources and training for engineers new to nTop.  1:37 The Founding Story of nTop  05:07 Implicit Modeling and Design Evolution  10:22 nTop's Impact on the Aviation Industry  19:32 Thermal Management and Heat Exchangers  31:05 Recreating Existing Models in nTop   2:16 Intern Projects: Building Gliders and Drones  33:44 Understanding Process Knowledge in 3D Printing  34:59 Custom Blocks and Design Rules in nTop  37:08 N Top's Role in Legacy and New Designs  38:17 Future Roadmap: Integration and Simulation  44:16 AI and Machine Learning in nTop  57:54 Lowering Barriers for Engineers