This edition of Voices AMplified explores the work and vision of two industry leaders making significant impacts in additive manufacturing (AM). It also highlights the expertise and talents of their respective teams in helping achieve success, evolve AM conversations, and engage more deeply with the broader AM community.
The first article focuses on Slade Gardner, founder and CEO of Big Metal Additive (BMA), based in Denver, Colo. Gardner and his small but mighty team of 16 bring metal-hybrid additive technology to a variety of companies in the aerospace, automotive, construction equipment, energy, and architecture industries. As the company name implies, BMA has expertise in handling big jobs with a large build envelope and worktables that accommodate complex designs. In Kip Hanson’s feature, you’ll read about Gardner’s focus on bringing the right people, processes, and platforms together to solve the toughest challenges in manufacturing. Gardner also shares his view on where the U.S. stands on the global stage when it comes to putting AM into practice in factories, which he cites as a key priority that requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. The article profiles impressive projects and gives a glimpse into how Gardner and his team have created a roadmap for future entrepreneurs seeking to do big things in manufacturing.
The second article features Zach Simkin, co-founder and president of New York-based Senvol, a company that helps manufacturers access, generate, and analyze AM data. The idea for Senvol was born out of a master’s degree class assignment on 3D printing, where Simkin saw a vast amount of unused data and insights available to additive manufacturers that would aid in better decision making. Through the company’s data-driven, machine learning product, for example, Senvol can speed up material development and parameter optimization, as well as expedite the qualification process for machines and materials. This is exemplified in a recent Air Force research program with the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI). And while Simkin is considered a sage expert for his decade in the AM space, he discusses the importance of documenting lessons and learnings from multi-decade pioneers in the industry to ensure the community maintains to its critical foundation on which to build the future.
Reading the stories of these two leaders inspires me to continue to pursue programs that move our industry forward. Looking ahead to 2023, we’re planning a program called “Canadian AM for Health and Wellbeing,” which will highlight a variety of people, from students to healthcare experts, across industry, academia, government, research, and business. The series will be a collaboration among SME AM Medical Tech Group, Women in 3D Printing and e-NABLE, an online global community of digital humanitarian volunteers who use 3D printers to make free and low-cost prosthetic upper limb devices for children and adults in need. Together, we share a commitment to SME’s Additive Community and our cumulative efforts to advance AM adoption. With each story we share, we get a little closer to achieving our mission.
