In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Oliver Elbert, Head of Additive Manufacturing at Grenzebach, to discuss the pivotal role of automation in scaling additive manufacturing. They delve into Grenzebach’s extensive expertise in industrial automation and its recent ventures into additive manufacturing. The conversation covers the challenges and benefits of automating post-processing tasks, increasing equipment efficiency, and optimizing labor dynamics. They also explore notable projects like the Next Gen AM and the Polyline project, highlighting how automation can significantly enhance production availability and reduce manual intervention. Oliver provides insights into the integration of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robots, and job exchangers in additive manufacturing, and discusses the future potential of fully automated production environments.

00:00 Introduction to Additive Snack Podcast

00:18 The Challenge of Automating Additive Manufacturing

01:07 Introducing Grenzebach and Oliver Elbert

02:22 History and Evolution of Grenzebach

06:33 Grenzebach’s Entry into Additive Manufacturing

08:31 The Slow Adoption of Automation in Additive Manufacturing

14:34 The Dual Setup Station and Its Impact

19:25 Automation Solutions for Various Industries

23:52 The Future of Automation in Additive Manufacturing

24:48 Challenges and Opportunities in Automation

34:13 The Role of Humanoids in Industrial AM

36:20 Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes Kristin Mulherin, the Director of Additive Manufacturing Technology at Hubbell Inc., to discuss the creation and development of an additive manufacturing center of excellence within a 150-year-old corporation. Kristin shares her extensive journey through various roles in the additive industry, from Northrop Grumman to HP, and her significant input in initiatives like Women in 3D Printing. She discusses Hubbell's historical background and the strategic decisions behind establishing the AM center, including technology choices, cost management, and internal education to drive innovation.

The episode covers specific applications, the challenges of shifting from prototyping to production, and the importance of cross-departmental education within the company to leverage the full potential of additive manufacturing.

00:00 Introduction to the Additive Snack Podcast

01:40 Meet Kristen Mulherin: A Journey in Additive Manufacturing

05:07 Kristen's Role at Hubbell Inc. and Industry Insights

06:11 Women in 3D Printing and Leadership

07:46 Building Hubbell Inc.’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence

15:25 Technology Stack and Future Plans at Hubbell

19:30 Exploring New Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing

21:38 Balancing Cost and Lead Time in Additive Manufacturing

22:08 Value Drivers in Additive Manufacturing

In the second part of this two-part episode series of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian welcomes Dr. Edward Herderick, Director of Education and Workforce Development at America Makes, to discuss the maturation of additive manufacturing. They delve into the evolution of the technology, its impact on the industry, and the importance of specialized education to foster a capable workforce.

Dr. Herderick shares insights on the integration of creative and engineering disciplines, the need for hands-on experience, and the role of the investment community in driving the industry's growth. The conversation also touches on the significance of industry partnerships in reshaping education, making additive manufacturing more accessible, and preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.

01:33 The Evolution of Additive Manufacturing

02:12 Integration of Art and Engineering

05:00 Specialization in Additive Manufacturing

08:44 Industry Trends and Workforce Development

15:25 Additive Manufacturing in Education

39:50 Hands-On Experience and T-Shaped Expertise

50:55 Investment and Market Segmentation