Although I’ve been in the additive manufacturing (AM) world for seven years, the breadth and scope of the technology—both current and the potential for even more exciting future applications—never ceases to amaze me. And the same could be said about the amazing group of professionals I’ve had the pleasure of meeting throughout the AM community.My own journey began in 2016, when a former colleague attended a conference that included a presentation on the 3D printing of medical anatomy for pre-surgical planning. As an MRI technologist, I was fascinated by the technology and how it could help healthcare professionals and, more importantly, our patients.
In some cases, AM can literally be a life-saving tool. I experienced this a few years ago when we used a 3D-printed model to help a neurosurgeon prep for what turned out to be a 19-hour procedure to remove a rare cancerous tumor.
To better understand all the potential opportunities and develop new processes and materials, I went back to school and earned a master’s of engineering degree in additive manufacturing last year. Perhaps even more important is the tight-knit group of point-of-care manufacturers I work with to share ideas and experiences. It is also critical to participate in AM events such as RAPID + TCT (May 2-4 in Chicago) to listen, learn, and network with other attendees and presenters.
In conjunction with the show, on May 1 the SME Healthcare AM Advisors group that I chair is hosting a workshop called “Reviewing Uncharted Applications of 3D Printing in Healthcare.” I’m especially excited about this because it will feature new content and first-time presenters!
Likewise, this edition of SME’s Voices AMplified report features a pair of extraordinary innovators: Alaa Elwany and Jeff DeGrange. Both have extensive AM experience and knowledge, and are exceptional mentors, collaborators, and advocates of enhancing 3D printing and driving its growth.
For Alaa, this means working with the United States Department of Energy to advance energy-related materials and manufacturing processes, and create green technologies. It also involves working with NASA and leveraging machine learning to design and print a new class of refractory alloys. As an associate professor at Texas A&M, he is part of a research team working on a microstructure that could eventually be used to produce a smart cardiovascular stent, which of course is near and dear to my heart.
With more than 35 years in the field, Jeff is extremely well versed in everything additive—and an expert in turning the impossible into reality. In fact, as chief commercial officer for Impossible Objects, he’s at the forefront of a variety of cutting-edge projects, such as high-volume uses for the company’s composite-based tech, including battery cases for electric vehicles. Jeff also is on the board of several universities, mentors students, and works with FIRST Robotics.
It’s my pleasure to introduce Alaa and Jeff. We hope you enjoy their stories!
