Blake Teipel brings a manufacturing-first lens (John Deere/Caterpillar) and hard-earned operator experience from scaling an AM company through the 2020–2024 volatility cycle. Together, the group unpacks why additive still holds real promise—but only when it’s anchored to outcomes, supported by the right operating model, and executed with realistic expectations around adoption, QA/QC, workforce, and supply chain risk.

Key Takeaways

1) Additive isn’t a magic box

Reject any message that says AM will be fast and easy. Plan for the full system.

2) The industry’s last five years were a stress test

Additive’s potential is real, but durable value requires durable operating models—not hype-cycle assumptions.

3) Money, customers, and AM companies want value—on different clocks

Misaligned time horizons are a root cause of stalled AM initiatives and churn.

4) Service-forward models reduce customer risk

Winning strategies often look like “a great company that happens to use additive,” selling parts and outcomes—not just machines.

5) Razor/razorblade assumptions break in industrial reality

Hardware + materials recurring revenue only works when utilization and capability are truly there.

6) Hardware is necessary—and brutally competitive

Hardware strategy must account for long-term differentiation and supply chain realities, not just technical performance.

7) Start with outcomes: “What’s the best way to make this part?”

Outcome-first framing prevents teams from buying equipment before they understand value.

8) QA/QC and repeatability are the real battleground

Production-grade additive requires production-grade controls, documentation, and repeatability.

9) Cyber + supply chain risk is now a front-line requirement

Treat AM like any other network-connected manufacturing tech: involve IT early and ask pointed questions.

10) Workforce optimism: build the “lore”

The next five years can be a “build” era—if the industry grows steadily and develops talent.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

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About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.