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Episode #90 | 3D Printing Across Decades with Lee Dockstader
Lee Dockstader takes us on a fascinating journey through the commercialization of 3D printing in healthcare, drawing from his decades of experience with industry giants like HP and 3D Systems. Dockstader is one of the major pioneers of the 3D printing revolution that helped transform medical applications today.
The conversation takes us behind the curtain of industry-defining moments few people know about. One is the story of Invisalign. Today it’s a household name, but in its early years Align Technology struggled to survive. Orthodontists resisted the innovation, and for nearly a decade the company failed to turn a profit. It was only when dentists began to embrace the technology that it found its footing. We explore why some healthcare segments adopt 3D printing rapidly while others move at glacial pace, and the fascinating business dynamics that determine success beyond just having superior technology.
Dockstader then goes on to give his account of the hearing aid industry's rapid transformation. Unlike dental's decades-long evolution, hearing aid manufacturing converted entirely to 3D printing within just five years in the early 2000s. The perfect storm of new scanning technology, specialized resins, and advanced printers led to dramatic improvements: reducing remake rates from 20% to 5% and transforming a craft that took a year to master into a skill learnable in days. With five companies controlling 80% of the market, once one adopted the technology, competitors had no choice but follow.
Looking toward the future, Dockstader shares his surprise that 3D printed eyewear hasn't yet achieved mainstream adoption despite its obvious benefits. With conventional frames offering limited sizing options despite high tooling costs, 3D printing could provide perfectly fitted frames for diverse facial structures at competitive prices.
As he looks back on his career, Lee Dockstader leaves listeners with a clear message. Persistence pays off, and finding the right champions within an industry can be the key to turning groundbreaking ideas into world-changing realities.
Stay tuned for show notes with relevant links and resources.
Sound Engineer: Faith Fernandes
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By 3DHEALS
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Lee Dockstader takes us on a fascinating journey through the commercialization of 3D printing in healthcare, drawing from his decades of experience with industry giants like HP and 3D Systems. Dockstader is one of the major pioneers of the 3D printing revolution that helped transform medical applications today.
The conversation takes us behind the curtain of industry-defining moments few people know about. One is the story of Invisalign. Today it’s a household name, but in its early years Align Technology struggled to survive. Orthodontists resisted the innovation, and for nearly a decade the company failed to turn a profit. It was only when dentists began to embrace the technology that it found its footing. We explore why some healthcare segments adopt 3D printing rapidly while others move at glacial pace, and the fascinating business dynamics that determine success beyond just having superior technology.
Dockstader then goes on to give his account of the hearing aid industry's rapid transformation. Unlike dental's decades-long evolution, hearing aid manufacturing converted entirely to 3D printing within just five years in the early 2000s. The perfect storm of new scanning technology, specialized resins, and advanced printers led to dramatic improvements: reducing remake rates from 20% to 5% and transforming a craft that took a year to master into a skill learnable in days. With five companies controlling 80% of the market, once one adopted the technology, competitors had no choice but follow.
Looking toward the future, Dockstader shares his surprise that 3D printed eyewear hasn't yet achieved mainstream adoption despite its obvious benefits. With conventional frames offering limited sizing options despite high tooling costs, 3D printing could provide perfectly fitted frames for diverse facial structures at competitive prices.
As he looks back on his career, Lee Dockstader leaves listeners with a clear message. Persistence pays off, and finding the right champions within an industry can be the key to turning groundbreaking ideas into world-changing realities.
Stay tuned for show notes with relevant links and resources.
Sound Engineer: Faith Fernandes
Send us a text
Support the show
Subscribe to our premium version and support the show.
Follow us:
Twitter
Instagram
Linkedin
3DHEALS Website
Facebook
Facebook Group
Youtube channel
About Pitch3D