Additive Snack

 Are you curious about how the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) uses additive manufacturing (AM)? The military’s innovative approach has a 30-year roadmap, which was authored by this week’s guest.    In this special episode, host Fabian Alefeld speaks with LJ Holmes. LJ has one of the most diverse jobs in the AM industry. He is the Executive Director of Advanced Manufacturing Research and Engineer...

The expenses associated with capital investments, storing inventory, and dealing with supply chain delays pose significant challenges for companies that keep a large stock of parts. However, if these companies were able to produce the required parts whenever they are needed, without the need for maintaining costly inventories, the advantages of adopting additive manufacturing (AM) becomes evident....

The US has always been a hotbed of innovation. With the integration of additive manufacturing (AM), AI, and advancements in materials and manufacturing technologies, creating clean, abundant energy is within reach. This conversation highlights the role of AM in next-generation energy technology.    Host Fabian Alefeld speaks with Dr. Alaa Elwany, science and technology policy fellow at the U.S. De...

The innovative and intricate world of Digital Foam is an evolution of polymer lattice structures. In the past, developing applications for polymer lattice structures, especially for performance applications, has been challenging. Challenges include aspects of design, printing, post-processing, and materials. All the value chain elements influence each other, adding more complexities.    In this sp...

Consumer 3D printing and industrial additive manufacturing (AM) are more closely related than many in the industry realize. Supply chain considerations, material development, and the ever-growing need for a robust workforce are valid concerns for both movements.    In this episode, Host Fabian Alefeld speaks with YouTube influencer and content creator Joel Telling, the 3D Printing Nerd. Together,...

Picture a future where values and supply chains are robust and agile. The workforce is skilled in high-tech disciplines such as additive manufacturing (AM). And the manufacturing industry has taken back its important role, not only within the US but all around the world. This vision is currently being modeled in Vermont.    Joining Host Fabian Alefeld is Barry Hulce, the Executive Director of Verm...

Imagine printing a car part for the racing industry as your first additive manufacturing (AM) project, earning a process engineer position with Honda Aerospace, and following that up by becoming the AM technology leader at Ohio State University. This is the inspiring story of today’s guest.    Joining host Fabian Alefeld is Ben DiMarco, AM Technology Leader and Principal Engineer at Ohio State Uni...

It is common to hear about productivity, materials, and laser power in additive manufacturing (AM). But stories are rarely heard about the lives being changed because of this technology. Innovation in AM is not just about technology. It is about transforming lives and creating a better future for people.    Host Fabian Alefeld speaks with Princess Moshoana, a South African woman whose life was for...

The world of additive manufacturing (AM) is ever-evolving. While additive technology is a proven game changer, gaining a client's trust requires speed, agility, and simplicity, particularly in production and supply chain processes.   Joining Host Fabian Alefeld is Derek VanDenDriessche, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Precision ADM. Precision ADM is a contract manufacturer spec...

As additive manufacturing (AM) practices and processes mature, we are reminded daily of the boundless potential and transformative power of technology, especially in the healthcare industry. However, additive manufacturing can be a confusing arena for traditional medical manufacturers to step into. Large organizations that successfully integrate additive are essential components of the technology’...

With the top five orthopedic organizations using metal and polymer additive manufacturing for production parts, the space industry using it daily for critical applications, and the automotive industry ramping up, it means this is just the beginning of a very exciting additive manufacturing (AM) journey.   Joining Host Fabian Alefeld is Chuck Hansford, Director of Advanced Development at Tecomet. I...

The impact of additive manufacturing (AM) is expanding within the medical industry. With customization and quick turnaround times for products essential for exceptional patient care, the vertical integration of additive and traditional manufacturing is making this requirement a reality. This paradigm can function as a role model that can be applied to other technologies and industries, further sol...

Additive manufacturing (AM) has transformed medical devices such as hearing aids, dental procedures, and implants. There is further opportunity to expand and innovate the space, but are the regulatory bodies and insurance companies ready to adopt the technologies?    Host Fabian Alefeld is joined by the founder and principal consultant of LG Strategies, Laura Gilmour. Laura has extensive experienc...

Additive manufacturing (AM) has forged a foothold in countless manufacturing applications due to its versatility and design freedom, but it is not always the all-in, right fit, right now for some industries. One example being manufacturing millions of end-use products for the consumer goods industry. Still, AM’s digital supply chain advantages have secured its place in the consumer goods value cha...

Additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to reshape industries and enhance lives – complete from head to toe. Podiatry is an area where inspiration and innovation help customize an end-user product by blending AI, a platform-based business model, and additive manufacturing technology to create a medical application that enhances people’s lives.    Today, Host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Travi...

Additive manufacturing’s (AM) role in the groundbreaking area of enhancing athlete safety through new design freedoms or on-the-spot custom polymer pad printing is nothing short of remarkable. Whether it's a helmet, a knee pad, or even the shoes on a player's feet, the sports equipment of tomorrow is being revolutionized today with AM.   To unravel the intricacies of this fascinating subject, Host...

Additive manufacturing (AM) popularity is growing rapidly within the consumer product and sporting goods application space. This series examines the AM innovations that are transforming industries, in this case, sporting goods. Safety, stamina, and grit are all enhanced by precise equipment designs that provide a perfect fit for professional and recreational athletes. AM is the only technology tha...

Additive manufacturing (AM) is not only a tool to enhance the performance of applications and create more agile supply chains – it’s also becoming a tool to increase brand value and awareness. Today, we dive into the story of the innovative engineering and viral marketing of the first ever 3D printed, Airless Prototype Basketball developed by Wilson Sporting Goods.   Host Fabian Alefeld is joined...

A majority of space applications and space companies would not be where they are today without additive manufacturing. In this final episode of our four-part series, we explore how additive technologies, like the ones used on the Ingenuity helicopter, can be used to advance industries and applications, such as mobility here on Earth. Host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Professor of Engineering Design...

The space industry could be the next trillion-dollar industry due to the vast technological advancements of the last decade. In this third episode of our four-part series, we discuss how even though AM lends itself perfectly to space applications, the rapid advancements in materials post-processing and the capabilities of engineers working on them will continuously accelerate the development of mo...

In this second episode of our four-part series about space, we talk about the orbital stage of space exploration in detail. Host Fabian Alefeld, with the help of Launcher's Head of Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Tim Berry, examines the intricacies of the technology that's being used to develop orbit vehicles and equipment in the new space industry. Including to a significant extent, additive manu...

There are thousands of private organizations with an interest in the space industry, prompting a new space race. This has been fueled in no small part by amazing technological developments in and outside the industry. In this four-part miniseries of Additive Snack, we explore the new space race industry, how it got to where it is now, and the role of additive manufacturing in our current environme...

Join host Fabian Alefeld for the lift off of Additive Snack Season 5: The AM Space Race. Listen in as Fabian and industry expert guests shine a light on the incredible advances additive manufacturing has made on our exploration of outer space. Follow Additive Snack now to be among the first to listen to the new and truly out-of-this-world podcast mini-series, the AM Space Race. 

Companies can struggle with taking on a challenging AM project without a solid education or a complete understanding of the technology. Focusing on understanding the technology with all its opportunities and its limitations can help companies identify applications where AM can add value for a positive business case. Starting simple to get some early wins is the key to unlocking all of the possibil...

The potential for growth in Additive Manufacturing (AM) is vast, and it is an exciting time to be a part of the community. Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned professional, trade shows can be interesting but for in-depth knowledge introductory training is key. In this interview from the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), Additive Snack host Fabian Alefeld interviews...