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