AM Radio
This 3D printing podcast doesn’t shy away from asking the big questions about where additive manufacturing is currently and where it is headed. On AM Radio, Additive Manufacturing Media hosts share stories of companies succeeding with 3D printing today; talk about emerging trends; and discuss the future opportunities and potential for AM in the context of the larger manufacturing landscape.
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58 - The Postprocessing Episode
04/22/2025
58 - The Postprocessing Episode
Postprocessing is a necessary part of the additive manufacturing (AM) workflow in almost every instance, because 3D printing alone rarely yields a finished part ready for use. Depending on the materials and processes they choose, AM adopters have to account for depowdering, curing, heat treat, cleaning, dyeing, tumbling, machining and many other post-print operations. Coupled with the high-mix, low-volume production typical in AM, such steps are difficult to automate or optimize — leading many companies to develop innovative and often secretive internal processes. In this episode of AM Radio, Stephanie Hendrixson, Peter Zelinski, Jessica Pompili and Jodee McElfresh share examples of how additive manufacturers solve their varied postprocessing challenges and seek to answer some of the questions around these critical steps. Thanks to listeners who sent questions, left comments or lent their expertise to this episode, including Matt Havekost, Rick Beddoe, Miguel Valenzuela, Konstantin Rybalcenko, Rey Chu, John Whalen and those who responded anonymously. Find photos, related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by Additive Manufacturing Media. . Mentioned in this episode: Our — and discussion— around postprocessing Meet , Additive Manufacturing Media assistant editor with Products Finishing editor-in-chief Scott Francis , editor-in-chief of sister brand Production Machining for mixed part batches with support removal "hatch" with sacrificial powder removal feature Solvent recycling technology company How metal injection molding and metal binder jetting and smoothing techniques developed at the Technical University of Denmark
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57 - Does Additive Manufacturing Win the Race? Exploring AM’s Production Rate
03/31/2025
57 - Does Additive Manufacturing Win the Race? Exploring AM’s Production Rate
A question from an audience member about competing production rates for a forged metal part that might be made through additive manufacturing instead got Pete Zelinski thinking about production rate in general, and what this rate does and does not tell us about productivity overall. Additive can win a production “race.” An example involving a 1,000-piece production run of parts otherwise made through molding was documented by Formlabs (more info below). However, is a head-to-head comparison like this the measure by which additive must succeed? Pete explores this question. Find photos, related links and the transcript for this episode . Mentioned in this episode: From Formlabs, . Our report at Big Metal Additive on . Subscribe to The BuildUp, our twice-weekly .
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56 - Applications Reaching the Tipping Point, Semiconductors and Tungsten on the Rise, Costs Coming Down and More From Formnext 2024
12/03/2024
56 - Applications Reaching the Tipping Point, Semiconductors and Tungsten on the Rise, Costs Coming Down and More From Formnext 2024
Formnext 2024 lived up to its reputation as additive manufacturing’s largest trade show, attracting more than 34,000 attendees to 54,000 m2 of exhibit space. It was also large in the sense of showcasing just how big 3D printing can go, with plenty of showpieces and demos running to illustrate the current scale of large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) technology. But beneath the robotic arms and towering prints, there were also plenty of new machine introductions, software advances and application examples. Over the course of their time at the show, AM Radio cohosts Peter Zelinski and Stephanie Hendrixson noted more semiconductor applications than ever before, an increased use of tungsten, software developments aimed at solving AM’s design bottleneck, various approaches to cutting cost per part, and indications that additive manufacturing has crossed various tipping points expanding where the production method makes sense, and is on trajectory to continue that advance. In this episode of the AM Radio podcast, hear observations from the show floor and takeaways for additive manufacturers. Find photos, related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by .
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55 - How 3D Printing Aids Automation, and How Additive Will Reach Farther With Robots
10/10/2024
55 - How 3D Printing Aids Automation, and How Additive Will Reach Farther With Robots
Additive manufacturing and robots are parallel technologies, both digitally enabled tools for manufacturing that are advancing in adoption. But they also enable each other. 3D printing can provide the grippers, end effectors and other specialized tooling that robots require to serve production. And robots are driving AM forward as well. Collaborative robots or cobots are being used to tend 3D printer farms, sometimes mounted on autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) for a fully mobile, as well as automated, solution. And robots are opening opportunities for larger and more complex part production, by providing the motion for a growing number of large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems. In this episode of AM Radio, Gardner Business Media Robots & Autonomy editor Julia Hider joins Stephanie Hendrixson and Pete Zelinski to discuss how AM and robots interact, and specific examples of this interaction. Find photos, video, related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by The Cool Parts Show. . Mentioned in this episode: How produces 3D printed end effectors for injection molders (first photo) , home of the 3D printed LEGO gripper happening in Pittsburgh provided by EMI Corporation, as seen in the Universal Robots booth at NPE , tended by a cobot informed by email and their potential usefulness for handling 3D printed parts , enclosing four individual printers tended by one gantry system for tending polymer printers of potentially dissimilar 3D printers
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54 - New Equipment, Additive Manufacturing for Casting Replacement, and AM's Next Phase at IMTS 2024
09/19/2024
54 - New Equipment, Additive Manufacturing for Casting Replacement, and AM's Next Phase at IMTS 2024
The 2024 edition of IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show welcomed more than 89,000 attendees to Chicago last week. While only a portion of the show’s 1,500 exhibitors were offering additive manufacturing equipment or services, AM nevertheless had a significant footprint at this show. Conversations with speakers, exhibitors and attendees revealed insights about where additive is finding traction now, and where it is heading next. In this episode of AM Radio, I talk with Pete Zelinski about equipment launches during the show, advances in usability and accessibility, AM’s role in the casting supply chain, the increased presence of service providers, and how the next “phase” of AM will look different. Find photos, related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by Additive Manufacturing Media. . Mentioned in this episode: LinkedIn feeds: | Videos from the show: More to come — subscribe to , developer of the DED Smart Path scanning module and (video to come) (video to come) Colibrium Additive (formerly GE Additive) and the , which showcased its 45° deposition head More on service providers and Nikon SLM Solutions on continuing adoption:
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53 - Steel Mills and Spatter: AM and Advanced Manufacturing Research at Carnegie Mellon University
08/12/2024
53 - Steel Mills and Spatter: AM and Advanced Manufacturing Research at Carnegie Mellon University
Stephanie Hendrixson shares observations from her visit to learn more about two different manufacturing institutes under the umbrella of Carnegie Mellon University. First, she visited the lab facilities at Mill 19, a refurbished steel mill site, used by the Manufacturing Futures Institute. The MFI aims to accelerate the digital transformation of manufacturing, through work that includes things like robotics, digital twins and generative design as well as AM. She also learned about the Next Manufacturing Center, CMU's additive-focused research institute seeking to solve increasingly specific 3D printing problems— including how to model and avoid spatter in laser powder bed fusion. Find photos, related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by Additive Manufacturing Media. . Want to be the first to see the episodes of The Cool Parts Show we created with Carnegie Mellon? for fans of the show. Mentioned in this episode: The and
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52 - Additive Manufacturing at NASA (PART 2)
07/02/2024
52 - Additive Manufacturing at NASA (PART 2)
In this follow-up to episode #51 of AM Radio, Dr. Tim Simpson joins Stephanie Hendrixson and Pete Zelinski in the studio to talk more about how NASA is implementing and shaping additive manufacturing. As part of an intergovernmental personnel act (IPA) assignment, Dr. Simpson has spent the last two years deployed within NASA helping to advance additive use cases and connect AM users within the organization. In this episode, he shares insights from this work including NASA's collaborative relationship with commercial space; its role in studying AM fundamentals and providing testing resources; missions currently using the technology; and where additive will enable NASA to go next. Find photos, related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by Additive Manufacturing Media. . Mentioned in this episode: The Cool Parts Show episodes featuring: , seen at Goddard Space Flight Center , seen at the Jet Propulsion Lab , filmed at Marshall Space Flight Center Other resources: by Paul Gradl Work from other folks Tim mentioned:
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51 - Additive Manufacturing at NASA (PART 1)
06/27/2024
51 - Additive Manufacturing at NASA (PART 1)
Additive Manufacturing Media editors have had the chance to visit three different NASA facilities: the Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Marshall Space Flight Center. Pete Zelinski and Stephanie Hendrixson learned and reported on how 3D printing is being used to fulfill NASA missions through parts like a generatively designed bracket, lightweight titanium lattices and a multimaterial thrust chamber made with two different processes. But where do these parts fit within NASA's broader mission, and what is the role of additive manufacturing at NASA? In this episode, part 1 of a 2-part series, Pete and Stephanie discuss what it's like to visit NASA and the observations they gleaned from being on site. (Make sure to subscribe and join us for Part 2, featuring AM Radio cohost and NASA system design innovator Dr. Tim Simpson.) Find photos, related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: The Cool Parts Show episodes featuring: , seen at Goddard Space Flight Center , seen at the Jet Propulsion Lab , filmed at Marshall Space Flight Center More on these NASA initiatives: , including NASA 6030
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50 - How Model No. Manufactures Sustainable Furniture with 3D Printed Polymers
05/22/2024
50 - How Model No. Manufactures Sustainable Furniture with 3D Printed Polymers
When we first covered Model No. in 2020, the company was manufacturing furniture on its own large-format 3D printers, built to designs directly manipulated by customers through parametric options available on its website. Four years later, production looks a bit different. Gone is the user-facing design tool, as the company has discovered that conversation with customers is the more effective way to arrive at the right designs for its clients. More colors and materials are offered today, in part because of a circular economy-focused project that Model No. completed with several partners. And there's one important change to how furniture is made--listen to the episode to learn how (and why) the company's 3D printing capacity has evolved in the last few years. Find photos, related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by Additive Manufacturing Media. . Mentioned in this episode: Model No. as an example of a manufacturer producing on its own 3D printer in More on the available from 3D Systems, the platform used by Model No. , another company applying the Titan platform for large-format 3D printing of innovative materials — in this case for aerospace parts Stephanie's Model No. table on and
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49 - Trip Report from Innovative 3D Manufacturing
04/15/2024
49 - Trip Report from Innovative 3D Manufacturing
We are trying something new on the podcast! Whenever one of us on Additive Manufacturing Media pays a visit to a manufacturer for the first time, we want to talk about the trip as soon as we return. Why keep this recap to ourselves? In this episode of AM Radio, here is Stephanie Hendrixson getting the full download just after I paid a visit to Innovative 3D Manufacturing in Franklin, Indiana. Innovative does contract production using 12 laser powder bed fusion machines, all from Renishaw. Just part of what struck me is this company’s connection to foundry work — not just in terms of process, such as workholding technique, but also in terms of business opportunity, because Innovative is getting work due to foundry leadtime challenges. Listen to our conversation above, or on your favorite podcast app. And for even more on Innovative, read the article I wrote, which is linked below. - Peter Zelinski, editor-in-chief, Additive Manufacturing Mentioned in this episode: , including photos from inside this facility
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48 - Making Sense of Qualification, Certification and Standards in Additive Manufacturing
02/13/2024
48 - Making Sense of Qualification, Certification and Standards in Additive Manufacturing
What is qualification, and what does it entail for additive manufacturing applications? In this episode of AM Radio, Dr. Tim Simpson joins Additive Manufacturing Media editors Pete Zelinski and Stephanie Hendrixson to talk about various issues around qualification in AM, including: the difference between qualification and certification; the expense of qualification activities; how standards are developed; and the opportunities additive can realize with qualified procedures. Find related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: rth Additive Group's work to develop digital inventory solutions Series from The Barnes Global Advisors on in the , and industries by Tim Simpson
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47 - The Rise of AM Factories, Metal 3D Printing, Machining Synergy and Our Favorite Stories from 2023
12/18/2023
47 - The Rise of AM Factories, Metal 3D Printing, Machining Synergy and Our Favorite Stories from 2023
In the last episode of AM Radio for 2023, hosts Pete Zelinski, Stephanie Hendrixson and Fiona Lawler look back on Additive Manufacturing Media's top 10 stories by pageviews for the year. The list reveals some interesting trends including the ramp up in additive manufacturing "factories," additive adoption that necessitates more sophisticated downstream processing, and a heavy emphasis on metal 3D printing. In the second half of the show, the hosts share their favorite stories, regardless of ranking, written by someone else. This episode is brought to you by Additive Manufacturing Media. . Mentioned in this episode:
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46 - Copper, New Metal Printing Processes, Upgrades Based on Software and More from Formnext 2023
11/20/2023
46 - Copper, New Metal Printing Processes, Upgrades Based on Software and More from Formnext 2023
The world's largest trade show for additive manufacturing technology featured more than 800 exhibitors across the entire AM value chain. Additive Manufacturing editors Peter Zelinski and Stephanie Hendrixson discuss what they learned and discovered at the event in this episode, including the rise of copper, the introduction of new processes for 3D printing in metals, equipment upgrades that don't rely on hardware, reduced barriers to entry for AM and much more. Find photos, related links and the transcript for this episode . This episode is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: Machine Improvements That Don’t Rely on Hardware for simultaneous laser scanning and recoating for controlling the melt pool temperature New Metal Processes , now part of a hybrid machine also offering laser wire DED and machining Cold Metal Fusion The Rise of Copper Lowering the Barriers to Entry (more about ) from Siemens, Dyemansion, HP, ForwardAM, BASF, EOS software for identifying AM parts Resurgence of Tooling Focus Tool Changing in AM with four extruder heads
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45 - Additive Manufacturing for Production Can Thrive in a Purpose-Built Space (But It Doesn't Need One)
10/30/2023
45 - Additive Manufacturing for Production Can Thrive in a Purpose-Built Space (But It Doesn't Need One)
Additive manufacturing "factories" and other facilities that have been built from the ground up to serve this process are becoming increasingly common, but a purpose-built space is not a necessity for successfully applying AM. Stephanie Hendrixson and Fiona Lawler discuss Fiona's recent trip to visit a newly established Protolabs facility dedicated to laser powder bed fusion, and swap stories of other AM spaces--from a 3D printer tucked under the stairs to a rented office space all the way to buildings acquired or built just for production additive manufacturing. This episode is brought to you by AM Media. Subscribe and learn more at . See photos and find the transcript for this episode at . Mentioned in this episode: (feature article forthcoming— to see it first!) , including what we learned touring Cumberland Additive and EOS
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44 - Lightning Round: Sporting Goods, Integration with Conventional Processes and More
10/02/2023
44 - Lightning Round: Sporting Goods, Integration with Conventional Processes and More
Sporting goods, tooling, integration with conventional processes, multi materials — in this episode of AM Radio, Jodee McElfresh and Pete Zelinski discuss the topics that have been popular on the Additive Manufacturing Media website and social media recently. Mentioned in Episode: Snarr3D's 3D printed golf putter shafts and ActivArmor's 3D printed casts and InssTek's made through DED in the advance of additive manufacturing Airtech's Humtown's sand 3D printed and Bauer Hockey’s RePliForm's electroplating of polymer 3D printed parts and Subscribe to , our twice weekly newsletter about all things additive.
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43 - The AM Ecosystem, User Journeys and More from Formnext Forum Austin
09/11/2023
43 - The AM Ecosystem, User Journeys and More from Formnext Forum Austin
Formnext Forum Austin, the first Formnext event to be held in the United States, concluded August 30 after two full days of conference programming dedicated to industrial additive manufacturing. The event is jointly organized by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media, the publisher of Additive Manufacturing Media. Along with sessions on additive end markets, production applications, AM technology and design for additive manufacturing (DFAM), Formnext Forum included a lively expo featuring nearly 80 exhibitors plus The Cool Parts Showcase. Attendees also had access to several facility tours and networking opportunities. The event drew more than 900 attendees, including the editors of Additive Manufacturing. Pete Zelinski, Fiona Lawler and Stephanie Hendrixson recorded this conversation for AM Radio shortly after the event. Find photos and the transcript of this episode . This episode is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: , coming in spring 2025 based on developing and using high-throughput laser powder bed fusion and the , an example of a small company taking advantage of 3D printing's flexibility for product launches () and their Elementum 3D's and of Fabrisonic's successes with Additive Engineering Solution's production of
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42 - How to Organize for Additive Production
08/14/2023
42 - How to Organize for Additive Production
Succeeding with additive manufacturing from a technical perspective has to be followed by succeeding with AM from an organizational perspective. Additive is a different production process entailing different enterprise, workflow and costing considerations, not to mention different personnel, communication and cultural considerations as well. Dr. Tim Simpson and Peter Zelinski talk about all of this: how to organize for success when additive manufacturing is the production process. This episode of AM Radio is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: Additive manufacturing provider New major opening in Ohio Our coverage of VulcanForms’ approach to , the facility Tim Simpson co-leads at Penn State Collins Aerospace’s Episode of AM Radio all about , including its strategy for adapting to technology advance Aniwaa graphic categorizing Previous AM Radio episodes featuring Tim Simpson on the topics of | | | | Subscribe to THE BUILDUP,
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41 – Data: The Dark (and Light) Side of Additive Manufacturing
07/24/2023
41 – Data: The Dark (and Light) Side of Additive Manufacturing
As a “born digital” technology, additive manufacturing intrinsically relies on data, more so than any other manufacturing process. That data reliance potentially exposes AM users to data security and cybersecurity issues; efforts are underway to help these users protect designs, print parameters, machines and even 3D printed parts. But beyond the dark side of data, figuring out secure ways of storing and sharing data also opens the door to more freely distributing manufacturing, sharing material and print profiles, and flexible, secure supply chains. Stephanie Hendrixson and Dr. Tim Simpson discuss all things AM data on AM Radio. This episode of AM Radio is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: | featuring Randy Altschuler, CEO (VT is now also a of CyManII) featuring a 3D printed barcode in the Bespoke category () , Additive Manufacturing Media’s newsletter on 3D printing for industrial production
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40 - How Acquisition and Investment Activity Affects AM Users and Adopters
06/26/2023
40 - How Acquisition and Investment Activity Affects AM Users and Adopters
Additive manufacturing is a dynamic space for various reasons: The technology is advancing and application possibilities are still being developed, and as a direct consequence, the landscape of AM companies is subject to change due to investor moves; mergers and acquisitions; and startups emerging from “stealth mode.” On this podcast, and in related reporting for Additive Manufacturing Media, we serve manufacturers by covering AM technology and applications — the corporate and financial moves are not the focus. And yet, one realm affects the other. The company moves shape what we cover and affect the choices of manufacturers as they aim to proceed with the technology. In this episode of AM Radio, Peter Zelinski and Stephanie Hendrixson talk about this. They discuss how the corporate and financial developments among AM companies play out for AM users, and where the dynamism of the additive space is likely to lead in the future. This episode of AM Radio is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: Other recent company moves: ; ; ; on machines from Concept Laser. Concept has since been and Tangible has been . , its initial process Facilities with space to add more additive capacity: ; ; , and Fortify applications to Stratasys and Origin , then Dayton Horvath on Subscribe to THE BUILDUP,
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39 - 3D Printing for Supply Chain Resiliency
06/05/2023
39 - 3D Printing for Supply Chain Resiliency
Additive manufacturing offers significant promise for strengthening and simplifying manufacturing supply chains. We glimpsed this during the pandemic, when 3D printers provided a quick response for needed medical components for uses such as ventilators and personal protective equipment. What are the ways AM can answer supply chain problems longer term, and how close are we to realizing this promise? In this episode of the AM Radio podcast, I am joined by Penn State’s Dr. Tim Simpson as we discuss additive manufacturing as a logistics solution, 3D printing for faster lead time relative to casting and forging, AM for MRO and sustainment needs, and other aspects of additive as a supply chain solution. Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Tim Simpson’s Additive manufacturing during the pandemic Sand 3D printing as a way to AMNOW Navy’s use of IMI Critical Engineering demonstration of AM as a
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38 - Additive Wins on Cost, Plus Process Monitoring and More from RAPID + TCT 2023
05/15/2023
38 - Additive Wins on Cost, Plus Process Monitoring and More from RAPID + TCT 2023
At the 2023 edition of RAPID + TCT held in Chicago, Additive Manufacturing Media editors noticed evidence of AM’s maturation both in terms of technical capability and utility for end-use applications. Stephanie Hendrixson, Peter Zelinski and Fiona Lawler discuss themes discovered at the event, including more precise DED, new tools for process monitoring, more sophisticated understanding of AM and sustainability, AM winning on cost and much more. Find photos and video from the show . This episode is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: Sustainability Cost as a driver of AM production Process monitoring DED getting more precise Acquisitions as a means of diversification Collaboration Flavor of the Show and why AM is great for and
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37 - Sustainability in Additive Manufacturing Is a Moving Target
04/24/2023
37 - Sustainability in Additive Manufacturing Is a Moving Target
Is additive manufacturing inherently more sustainable than conventional manufacturing methods? Stephanie Hendrixson and Dr. Tim Simpson wade into the various factors that must be considered to make this assessment; dive into some of the research happening in industry and academia on the subject; and discuss why sustainability is such a tricky problem in AM. This episode of AM Radio is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: “Plastics: Knowledge and Information Taking Shape,” the in 2017 at PSU’s Maker Commons How MolyWorks in the footprint of a shipping container 6K Additive’s produced through its Results from the Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association (AMGTA) Additional Resources: Additive Manufacturing Media’s Examples of 3D printed shoes , ,
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36 - Artificial Intelligence and Additive Manufacturing Are Connected
04/03/2023
36 - Artificial Intelligence and Additive Manufacturing Are Connected
With the arrival of resources such as ChatGPT and Dall-E, artificial intelligence (AI) is a widespread topic of discussion. But AI has been aiding additive manufacturing for years, to the extent that the applications are coming to seem pervasive. Stephanie Hendrixson and Peter Zelinski talk about the link between AI and AM, both as we see it today and as we expect to see it in the future. What AI and AM have in common is frictionlessness — in terms of offering instruction, as ChatGPT shows, and in the ease of starting production without need for hard tooling that 3D printing makes possible. What will we see as these two advancing technologies increasingly come together? Mentioned in this episode: Additive Manufacturing magazine issues on and NNAISENSE defect prediction via Argonne National Laboratory work of metal parts Castor Army call for research into PrintSyst AI Build GPT-enabled software for Inkbit applying AI to with viscous polymer Markforged Blacksmith for for 3D printed parts Oqton for 3D printing facilities Paper by Heiden, Alieksieiev, Volk and Tonino-Heiden that discusses Spokebee 3Shape able to recognize teeth and gums OpenAI Point-E for Material Resources Inc use of AI to develop ActivArmor , soon to employ AI to improve treatment outcomes More about the advance of additive manufacturing in our newsletter,
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35 - The New Misperceptions Of AM
03/20/2023
35 - The New Misperceptions Of AM
A sign of the advancing understanding of additive manufacturing: Many of the previous misperceptions have gone away. Or they have at least dramatically declined. Few in manufacturing today believe 3D printing is as simple as "hit print," and most understand that the design of the part determines how well it can take advantage of AM. However, there are still pervasive misperceptions about AM among the manufacturers today who are just beginning to explore it. Tim Simpson and Peter Zelinski talk about some of the false ideas about additive manufacturing that are in the air and current now. Part of the challenge is simply that AM technology is still changing rapidly; assumptions become invalidated quickly. Tim ends up talking about the pace of this change in additive and what is setting that pace. Mentioned in this episode: , the additive manufacturing research facility Tim co-leads Additive manufacturing’s , the International Manufacturing Technology Show Stryker and the Scale production of medical implants by and Flight-critical made additively in additive parts New! , our new newsletter from the Additive Manufacturing Media team.
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34 - AM Posts We Saw On Social Media
02/27/2023
34 - AM Posts We Saw On Social Media
Additive manufacturing (AM) tends to see popular media coverage when a consumer good is 3D printed. 3D printed houses and fashion grace headlines at the moment. On social media, however, additive manufacturing is a daily topic of conversation for users, students and entrepreneurs. As digital editor for Additive Manufacturing Media, I have the pleasure of observing and engaging in some of those conversations. On this episode of the AM Radio podcast, Peter Zelinski and I review eight AM-related social media posts that caught my eye in recent weeks. Among the topics we discuss are machine modifications, a debatable assumption about large-format additive manufacturing and the AM fan-favorite, or maybe anti-fan favorite: AM’s cost effectiveness. Thanks for listening. Mentioned in this episode The posts from social media: Our about the SABIC regrind study about the SABIC study Luai Kurdi’s Catalysis Additive Tooling’s Enrico Gallino’s What’s the vibration frequency, Kenneth? post The 9T Labs from CompositesWorld from Avi Reichental Other references: The SABIC LFAM Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s on The Cool Parts Show Tim Simpson’s final Velo3D Launcher Made in the USA Join the conversation with Additive Manufacturing Media on , , , and
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33 – Scaling Additive Manufacturing Means Scaling its Workforce
02/06/2023
33 – Scaling Additive Manufacturing Means Scaling its Workforce
Bringing additive manufacturing to scale production also means scaling the workforce trained to design, manage and carry out that production. While some fundamentals stay the same across material and process, learning the intricacies of specific applications and industries takes time. What is the role of the university in preparing the next generation of additive manufacturers? What should industry expect in new hires, and how can companies upskill their existing workforce? And what are the “soft skills” or personality traits that make for a successful user of additive manufacturing? In this episode of the AM Radio podcast, I discuss training and education options for additive with Dr. Tim Simpson, professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at Penn State University and contributor to Additive Manufacturing Media (among his various other roles). This episode is the first of a series that will feature Simpson as cohost. This episode of AM Radio is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: AM WTF, and More on the Additive Manufacturing Media’s resource PSU on skills and attributes necessary for AM engineers (see results in the chart below) Article on , featuring photos of teachable parts Additional resources: Results from Penn State's of successful AM engineers
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32 - Additive Manufacturing to Repair, Replace and Upgrade
01/16/2023
32 - Additive Manufacturing to Repair, Replace and Upgrade
3D printing for repair and replacement is an underappreciated but potentially very valuable application for this technology. The ability to add material only where necessary and to do so in an automated fashion allows worn surfaces to be rebuilt with less human labor, keeping items such as aircraft blades in service for longer. Additive manufacturing offers an avenue for manufacturing parts no longer in inventory or production, by skipping over tooling to arrive more quickly (and often, more affordably) at the needed component — it be a brush mat, bearing housing, mixer blade, clamp or tractor tread. But a 3D printed replacement part is rarely a 1-to-1 swap; changing to this production method almost always introduces additional benefits. In this episode of AM Radio, Pete Zelinski and I discuss these examples and more, plus why a 3D printed replacement is almost always an upgrade. This episode of the AM Radio podcast is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: Lincoln Electric's WAAM-printed and for a decades-old machine used in the production of flux
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31 - Spares, Electrification and Cool Parts: Top Additive Manufacturing Stories of 2022
12/20/2022
31 - Spares, Electrification and Cool Parts: Top Additive Manufacturing Stories of 2022
The most-viewed stories on AdditiveManufacturing.Media this year illustrate some of the trends in industrial 3D printing, including its increasing adoption for spare and replacement parts; increased applications for electric motors; and a maturing user base. Peter Zelinski, Stephanie Hendrixson and Jodee McElfresh take a look back at the top 10 articles and videos from 2022. This episode is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode:
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30 - Ceramics, Automation and More from Formnext 2022
12/05/2022
30 - Ceramics, Automation and More from Formnext 2022
Additive manufacturing's largest trade show, Formnext, returned to its pre-pandemic strength in 2022. In this episode, Peter Zelinski describes trends from the show floor (including 3D printing with ceramics, anticipating robot automation, and a pivot away from support structures) while Stephanie Hendrixson shares observations found in social media. This episode is brought to you by . Mentioned in this episode: Videos filmed at the show: () and and created using Metafold 3D software (August 28-30, 2023)
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29 - Why "Boring" Is Superlative for Additive Manufacturing, Plus a Different Take on Workforce Development
11/07/2022
29 - Why "Boring" Is Superlative for Additive Manufacturing, Plus a Different Take on Workforce Development
Additive Manufacturing Media digital associate editor Jodee McElfresh joins the podcast for this episode inspired by trends spotted on social media. She and Stephanie Hendrixson discuss additive manufacturing superlatives and the value of the "boring" part, plus how individuals and companies can make the pivot into AM. Spoiler: Waiting for the next generation won't be enough; consider workforce development from the inside. This episode is brought to you by the . Mentioned in this episode: Connect with Additive Manufacturing Media on social media: , , , , Find Jodee on Find Stephanie on and
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