33DPQ Podcast – Eric Beardslee

Key Takeaways

• The 3D printing industry has failed to bridge the gap between prototyping and end-use production parts
• Reducing variability and increasing isotropy in additively manufactured parts is crucial for critical applications
• Engineers need to understand the pros and cons of different additive manufacturing processes
• No single 3D printing process is suitable for every application

Introduction to 33DPQ Podcast

The 33DPQ podcast, hosted by engineering.com, features weekly short-form interviews with industry leaders and experts. In a recent episode, Eric Beardslee from AON3D shared his insights on the current state of 3D printing.

Challenges in 3D Printing

According to Beardslee, one of the major issues with 3D printing is the inability to consistently produce high-quality parts that can be used in critical applications. This is largely due to the reliance on operator skill, which can lead to variability in part properties. To address this, AON3D is focused on reducing variability and increasing isotropy in additively manufactured parts.

Understanding Additive Manufacturing Processes

Beardslee emphasized the importance of understanding the pros and cons of different additive manufacturing processes. For example, powder processes like SLS are suitable for batch printing, while other processes may be better suited for specific applications. The following table compares some common additive manufacturing processes:

Applications of 3D Printing

Beardslee highlighted the potential of 3D printing in various applications, including aerospace. AON3D has already produced parts that are being used on the International Space Station, and they were also involved in the production of parts for a lunar lander.

Expert Insights

Beardslee's comments underscore the need for the 3D printing industry to focus on producing high-quality, consistent parts that can be used in critical applications. By understanding the strengths and limitations of different additive manufacturing processes, engineers can make informed decisions about which process to use for a given application.

Bottom Line

The 3D printing industry has made significant progress in recent years, but there is still a need to bridge the gap between prototyping and end-use production parts. By reducing variability and increasing isotropy in additively manufactured parts, companies like AON3D are working to make 3D printing a more reliable and consistent technology. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for engineers to understand the pros and cons of different additive manufacturing processes and to choose the right process for their specific application.