Spencer Loveless’ story is a compelling one. It’s a tale of a family business starting from nowhere and becoming successful. Then subsequently, it is a tale of manufacturing in the USA against all odds. This is a very topical story, but it is also a crucial story for 3D printing. His firm Merit3D uses a technology that most have only seen at trade shows, Photocentric. Furthermore, he’s not running a traditional service bureau. Spencer wants to do to true manufacturing, bridge manufacturing, and production in the hundreds of thousands of parts. Now, of course we’ve heard that vision before. The difference here is that Spencer and his team are producing millions of cost-effective parts in the US. And we’re not talking about high end rocket nozzles or turbo machinery, but regular things, such as stud finders, hangers for epoxy tubes, and much more. Spencer is showing us all how we could scale up to real production.

I really loved this episode of the 3DPOD with Howie Marotto, Additive Manufacturing Business Director at EWI. A Marine with deep logistics experience gets to tell us how viable 3D printing actually is for the military. If we look at the frontlines, the forward operating base, or large overseas bases—where will we 3D print what? Which technologies and machines will be used, and how will the U.S. ensure it has the best machines? Given his significant experience in setting up and supplying some of the largest bases in the world, overseeing aircraft maintenance supply, and implementing new logistics systems, Howie offers unique insight into the need for and realism of 3D printing in military logistics.

Executive Director for the Center of Advanced Manufacturing and Materials at Harrisburg University, Larry “LJ” Holmes is a pioneer in applying additive manufacturing to defense and other critical sectors. Part inventor, part educator, he is dynamic and a true force for change. LJ is now spearheading the J-DAMMIT military 3D printing event. But he’s also done exciting work in explosive technologies and beyond. From swarm manufacturing to aviation, and from tiny robots to some of the largest 3D prints in existence, LJ has played a key role. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Harrisburg University’s mission and approach will likely inspire you as well and deepen your appreciation for the polymath that is LJ.

Andreas Knoechel, Head of Program Management for Additive Manufacturing at Oechsler, is doing some real heavy lifting in production. German plastics manufacturer Oechsler was the pioneer behind 3D-printed shoes at scale. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Andreas speaks of this success as well as some lesser-known achievements of the firm. From the well-known bicycle seats to other newer applications, he highlights the firm’s progress. I’d definitely give this episode a listen—Andreas shares real pearls of wisdom on optimizing 3D printing, true additive manufacturing, and its applications. The conversation was valuable, and I’m confident that if you listen, you’ll come away convinced that Oechsler is much further ahead than you may have thought.

Metallurgist and materials scientist Jacob Nuechterlein founded Elementum 3D in 2014 based on a proprietary process for making powders that enhances both the powder and the final parts’ properties. Elementum 3D produces tantalum, copper, steel, aluminum, and more. In space, aerospace, defense, and Formula 1, the company enables the production of parts that would otherwise be impossible to manufacture. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we talk to Jacob about metals, powders, applications, and the market in general. I think you’ll enjoy his insights and perspective.

Chromatic 3D Materials CEO Cora Leibig has extensive experience in the plastics industry. We discuss the volumes of polymers and other materials, as well as what is needed to transform these markets. Cora chose 3D printing because, in this sector, meaningful change—through new materials and manufacturing methods—can be implemented more easily and quickly than in higher-volume markets.

In this episode of the 3DPOD, we talk about safety, cost, and strategies for growing additive manufacturing, as well as how her company develops 3D printing materials capable of producing strong, elastomeric parts. You’ll be most surprised by Cora’s approach to the market and her focus on growth, which is far more radical and ambitious than most in the industry.

Stephan Kuehr began his career at 3YOURMIND before joining the volumetric 3D printing firm Xolo. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we discuss Xolo, its technology, volumetric 3D printing, bioprinting, and the company’s market approach. We also explore its collaborations with academics and the development of applications for its technology. Additionally, Stephan shares insights on the state of the 3D printing industry, as well as advice on building and growing a successful startup.

Andrew Graves began his career as a Design Engineer before joining 3D Systems in 1990. After pioneering stereolithography in the UK for F1 teams and aerospace firms, he helped establish a 3D printing service. In 2012, he joined Stratasys, later working at DSM before returning to Stratasys to oversee the Neo line of 3D printers. With a broad perspective and deep expertise in additive manufacturing, Andrew shares fascinating anecdotes, little-known early examples of 3D printing, and insightful perspectives on the future of the industry on this episode of the 3DPOD.

Ronen Lebi has held extensive roles at Stratasys and served on the boards of numerous 3D printing startups. In this episode of the 3DPOD, Lebi’s history leads us to a discussion about what it’s like to be a startup today and the best practices regarding advice, boards, and growth. We also talk to Ronen about 3D printing applications and their expansion. Additionally, we get a chance to discuss Machina Labs, a startup that uses robots to cut, weld, and press metal panels.

Mark Barfoot is a 3D printing veteran who began by introducing additive manufacturing to traditional firms before becoming Managing Director of the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Lab at the University of Waterloo. He later worked for Cimetrix and Javelin, two major 3D printing resellers, before spending a stint at EWI. Now, he serves as VP of Engineering at Voxel Innovations, an electrochemical polishing and machining firm capable of remarkable advancements. In this episode of the 3DPOD, we explore finishing techniques, the future of 3D printing resellers, and much more.