Pushing the Limits

I’m pleased to introduce this edition of Voices AMplified, which features two leaders who invest their time, energy, and creativity to expand the limits of what is possible through additive manufacturing (AM) and teamwork.

3D-printing services. At RAPID + TCT, she moderated a panel discussion on 3D printing for point-of-care medical applica tions. The panel was one of several during a special town hall hosted by the Medical AM Advisory Team.

May 17 19 in Detroit, is proof positive as to how far AM has

The first feature shares the story of Tyler LeBrun, an AM lead at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, Calif. With a background in aerospace, Tyler has a decade of experience using AM to produce hardware for space propulsion. While much of his current research and development work at Sandia centers around technologies that are either cost prohibitive or don’t have a guaranteed payoff, it’s often these high-risk, high-reward activities that make the biggest impact in the community. Tyler discusses ways to get more people involved in AM, citing that level of engineering skills, a steep learning curve, and financial resources to develop robust AM capabilities can be roadblocks for many interested in 3D printing. Support from the federal government is a start, but it will take broader domestic adoption to bolster the United States leadership position in AM.

The AM community took center stage throughout the show. This includes the passing of the baton in two key leadership positions. John Barnes assumed the chair of the Additive Manufacturing Technical Community Leadership Committee, succeeding Christopher Williams; and Sarah Rimini now chairs the Medical AM Advisory Committee, succeeding Amy Alexander. I’d like to thank Christopher and Amy, who provided exemplary leadership and vision during their tenures, and welcome their replacements.

In the second story, we learn about the work of Justin Ryan, a research specialist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San

Other highlights included the winners of the 2022 SME Additive Manufacturing Community Awards: Slade Gard ner, founder of Big Metal Additive (Industry Achievement); VELO3D and IMI Critical Engineering (Aubin AM Case Study); and Virginia Tech students Daniel Chirvasuta, Nathanael High, Matthew Martin, Benjamin Nguyen, Omkar Shinde, and Nicolas Tomanelli (Digital Manufacturing Challenge).

Diego, where he spends his days focused on improving an already stellar level of care for pediatric surgical patients. Justin joined Rady soon after it formalized its 3D-printing program in 2018. Soon after, he had a brilliant idea to hire a software engineer with experience in video game development to help people with limited computer experience visualize and interact with the complex 3D datasets often found in a radiology lab. As part of Justin’s work and vision for the future of AM, he cites the pursuit of faster build speeds to treat trauma patients more effectively, as well as greater sterilizability of materials suitable for operating room environments.

As a technical advisor to SME, my interactions with colleagues have increased my knowledge of AM both as a technology and its application. Considering the breadth of AM technologies and materials, my focus is on continuing education and adaptation of AM.

To help foster the next generation of innovators, the SME Education Foundation’s Bright Minds Program welcomed nearly 1,000 middle and high school students to RAPID + TCT. There also was a special networking lunch for young professionals and a Career Forum Panel. The initiative is led by Ellen Lee and Jennifer Coyne, who are both advisors on the Additive Manufacturing Technical Community Leadership Committee.

Sharing our community’s stories, including those of Tyler LeBrun and Justin Ryan, helps break down barriers to move AM forward, allowing us to take on new challenges, solve tough problems, and improve the lives of individuals and communities every step of the way.

John, who heads The Barnes Global Advisors and Metal Powder Works, has been involved in metal additive manufacturing throughout a distinguished career. He’s led teams that qualified the aerospace industry’s first series production metal AM parts, and developed a pilot metal production facility.

As senior manager of Ricoh’s Healthcare Center of Excellence, Sarah is developing a curriculum for the company’s Learning Institute that focuses on medical managed

SME Media also interviewed dozens of AM leaders during RAPID + TCT as part of its Voices AMplified initiative that showcases the people behind the technology. This month’s Voices AMplified report profiles two such visionaries: Olga Ivanova and Carl Dekker. Known as “Dr. O,” Olga has worked on innovative projects for the medical and defense industries, and is a tireless crusader for advancing AM.

Carl puts the emphasis on people. He leads a talented team at Met-L-Flo, which produces a wide range of 3D-printed products. He also chairs the Direct Digital Manufacturing Advisory Team and moderated a panel at RAPID + TCT.

Carl and Olga represent the spirit behind Voices AMplified. I hope you enjoy their stories.

Taking years of additive manufacturing experience in entirely new directions