Once a concept in 1940s science fiction, additive manufacturing—better known as 3D printing—has become a game-changer in modern production. Unlike traditional methods that cut away material, additive manufacturing builds components layer by layer, enabling intricate designs, reduced waste, and faster production.

In this episode, we uncover how this technology evolved, why it’s transforming industries like aerospace and healthcare, and what the future holds as researchers push its boundaries.

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Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series. 

Executive Produced by Lacey Peace. 

Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle. 

Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle. 

Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell. 

Narrated by Matthew Powell. 

Video Production by Levi Hanusch. 

Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance): 

• Hayden Taylor, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
• Chris Spadaccini, Materials Engineering Division Leader, Engineering Directorate, LLNL
• Caitlyn Krikorian Cook, Polymer Engineer, LLNL
• Maxim Shusteff, Group Leader, Materials Engineering Division, LLNL

Brought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.