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Additive Snack — Technology
Additive Snack

Join host Fabian Alefeld and a range of guests as they discuss all things additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing news, with interviews and real-world stories to educate and entertain. Each episode, Fabian talks to AM experts, professionals in specialist fields, and 3D printing users from all walks of life to deliver a well-rounded view on the state of AM.

Cut through the confusion surrounding polymer and metal additive manufacturing solutions with our digestible, down-to-earth discussions that deliver insights into common mistakes and best practice tips so you can get a clear understanding of AM — layer for layer.

Whether you’re curious about 3D printing technology for the aerospace industry, a deep dive into post processing, or applications of injection molding — we leave no spare parts behind. We want to provide you with the additive insight needed to stay laser focused and leverage every opportunity 3D printing materials have to offer.

Join us for an Additive Snack and we’ll help you and your business achieve growth and success through the latest developments in AM.

No marketing B.S. and no product pitches. Just the education, inspiration and information you and your organization need to drive business growth, brought to you by global AM leader EOS.

Get ready to feed your AM knowledge and find your path to success!

Copyright: © 2020 Fabian Alefeld

Latest Episodes:

Recent Policy Changes Affecting AM, Gen Z & New AM-Adopting Industries Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld delves into the intersection of journalism and additive manufacturing (AM) with Matt Kremenetsky, an analyst from 3Dprint.com. They discuss various aspects of AM, from its breakthroughs and challenges to its role in broader manufacturing ecosystems and supply chains. The conversation covers significant topics including the impact of recent policy shifts, next-wave applications, and changes in the media landscape relating to AM. Matt shares insights on the evolving nature of workforce development and its importance in the manufacturing sector, as well as the future potential for strategic R&D partnerships and investment incentives.

Listeners gain an in-depth understanding of emerging market applications in defense, data centers, satellite technology, and power grids, highlighting the importance of thermal management as a unique benefit AM can offer. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and future outlooks in the AM industry.

00:25 Meet Matt Kremenetsky: Analyst for 3DPrint.com

00:52 Diving into Additive Manufacturing Journalism

02:15 Matt's Journey into AM

03:55 The Evolution of AM

06:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Additive Media

10:44 The Role of Additive in Modern Manufacturing

17:26 Workforce Development and Policy in Additive

29:54 Respect for Manufacturing in Germany and Japan

30:44 The Rise of Trade Careers in the US

31:37 Gen Z's Work Ethic and Technology's Impact

34:34 AI's Threat to Entry-Level Jobs

35:42 Policies Supporting Manufacturing Investments

41:42 Strategic R&D Partnerships and Tax Implications

46:23 Future Applications of AM

Scaling AM in Oil & Gas: ExxonMobil’s Strategy with Christopher Beeson Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Additive Snack podcast, host Fabian Feld interviews Christopher Beeson from ExxonMobil, exploring the integration of additive manufacturing (AM) into the oil and gas industry. Christopher shares his personal journey from traditional welding to 3D printing and outlines ExxonMobil's strategic initiatives in adopting additive manufacturing. Key topics include the company's partnerships with universities, the deployment of advanced technologies like laser powder bed fusion and wire DED, and the establishment of a digital supply network to streamline production.

Christopher also highlights the role of the Louisiana Additive Manufacturing Association in workforce development and discusses the challenges and future potential of scaling additive manufacturing within the sector. The episode concludes with details about the upcoming Additive Manufacturing Oil and Gas Summit in Houston, and the significance of industry collaboration in advancing these technologies.

00:46 Guest Introduction: Christopher Beeson from ExxonMobil

01:36 Chris's Journey into Oil and Gas and Additive Manufacturing

04:53 ExxonMobil's Additive Manufacturing Initiatives

07:45 Scaling Additive Manufacturing Across ExxonMobil

14:35 Field Node and Industry Collaboration

21:07 Applications and Future of Additive Manufacturing

28:26 Urgent Need for Replacement Parts

28:48 Understanding Bubble Caps

29:13 Machinery Anti-Wicking Device

30:24 Additive Manufacturing Projects

33:52 Workforce Development and Partnerships

37:34 Scaling Additive Manufacturing

42:28 Future of Additive Manufacturing in Oil and Gas

43:00 Challenges and Solutions in Additive Manufacturing

51:22 Additive Manufacturing Summit

52:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

AM Meets AI, Robotics, & Beyond: A Conversation with Dr. Mohsen Seifi Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Additive Snack podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes Dr. Mohsen Seifi, Vice President of Global Advanced Manufacturing Programs at ASTM International. This insightful conversation covers the convergence of additive manufacturing with adjacent technologies such as robotics, AI, and quantum biotech. Dr. Seifi discusses the initiatives led by ASTM to push additive manufacturing forward, the importance of standards, and the role of ASTM in shaping global manufacturing dynamics.

 
The episode dives into the historical and current role of ASTM, the transformation and strategic acquisitions like that of Wohlers Associates, and the global adoption of additive manufacturing across various regions. The episode also highlights the significant impact of defense sectors on additive adoption, upcoming trends in the industry, and a preview of the 10th-anniversary ICAM conference. The discussion underscores the importance of standardization, workforce development, and the strategic role of data in advancing additive manufacturing.

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

 

03:14 Overview of ASTM and Additive Manufacturing

 

07:32 The Role of AI and Data in Additive Manufacturing

 

23:14 Global Adoption and Regional Dynamics

 

33:03 Collaborative Technology and Industry Challenges

 

34:03 Hurdles in Additive Manufacturing Adoption

 

38:20 Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing

 

44:28 Defense Sector's Role in Additive Manufacturing

 

53:09 Global Investments and Resilience in Additive Manufacturing

 

57:29 ICAM Conference and Industry Collaboration

 

01:02:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

NASA Update: Master Class, Alloys, AI & the Future Engineering Generations Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes back Paul Gradl, Principal Engineer at NASA, for a deep dive into the latest advances and challenges in additive manufacturing. Paul shares how NASA has expanded the range of available materials, pioneering alloys like GR COP and GRX 810 for extreme environments, and how these innovations are now being used in industries beyond aerospace.

The conversation covers the rapid acceleration of material development through advanced modeling and early AI adoption, the technical hurdles of scaling up to larger parts, and the realities of additive manufacturing in space—from lunar construction to the potential of asteroid mining. Paul also discusses the importance of learning from failures, NASA’s commitment to public data sharing, and his passion for mentorship and STEM education, both at work and at home. Whether you’re an industry veteran or new to additive, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Sign up for the NASA Metal AM Master Class today: Metal AM Master Class with NASA | EOS Store - US

2:00 - The Evolution of Additive Materials
NASA is expanding material options and redefining what’s possible with additive.
7:45 - Material Highlights & Cross-Industry Applications
Paul discusses GR COP, GRX 810, and their applications beyond aerospace.
13:45 - AI, Machine Learning & Accelerating Alloy Development
AI and modeling are accelerating how new alloys are developed.
17:50 - Scaling Up: Big Parts & NASA’s Role
NASA is driving the shift toward larger, room-sized additive parts.
23:45 - How Much of a Rocket is Additive?
Additive plays a growing—but complementary—role in rocket manufacturing.
26:30 - Additive in Satellites, Space, and In-Space Manufacturing
Additive is key to building satellites, landers, and lunar systems.
32:00 - Lunar Regolith, Moon Dust, and Asteroid Mining
NASA explores using Moon dust and asteroids for future construction.
36:50 - Learning from Failure: Engine Test Stand Story
A test stand failure highlights the importance of understanding the process.
43:45 –Metal AM Master Class Announcement
Details on Paul and Omar’s upcoming metal AM master class.
46:30 - Mentorship, STEM, and 3D Printing at Home
Paul shares how he supports STEM education at NASA and at home.

Why Ursa Major is Betting Big on Additive Manufacturing Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Thomas Pomorski, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Ursa Major. Tom discusses his extensive background in additive manufacturing, including his work at Bechtel Plant Machinery and Penn United. He shares insights into Ursa Major's journey in scaling propulsion manufacturing for space and defense, emphasizing the importance of insourcing, quality systems, and the iterative approach in additive development.

Tom delves into the challenges and solutions in scaling additive manufacturing, including complex parameter strategies, automation, and flexible manufacturing. He also highlights Ursa Major’s products, such as the Hadley and Draper engines, and the company's innovative approach to solid rocket motor manufacturing. The episode concludes with Tom's advice for companies looking to scale additive manufacturing operations and a look into the future of the industry.

01:46 Tom's Journey into Additive Manufacturing

02:04 Early Career and First Additive Roles

04:38 Joining Ursa Major and Initial Challenges

10:11 Vertical Integration and Scaling Challenges

20:14 Advanced Additive Strategies and Collaborations

26:28 Automating Build Setups with Python

26:58 Challenges in Hiring Additive Process Engineers

28:06 Building a Passionate and Skilled Team

29:30 Leveraging Local Talent and Resources

31:17 Collaborating Across the Aerospace and Defense Industry

32:50 URS's Product Portfolio and Additive Manufacturing

35:34 Flexible Manufacturing for Solid Rocket Motors

39:07 Future Developments in Additive Manufacturing

41:35 The Importance of Material Development

46:29 Scaling Operations and Advice for Newcomers

What the Wholers Report & ASTM Reveal about the Industry's Future Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Mahdi Jamshid and Scott Sevcik of the ASTM Additive Manufacturing Community to discuss significant trends and insights within the additive manufacturing industry. They delve into the history and evolution of the Wohlers Report, various advancements in different sectors like defense and consumer products, and the impact of geopolitical factors such as trade policies on the industry. The discussion also covers the maturity of additive manufacturing, the role of standards and certifications provided by ASTM, and future growth projections. Mahdi and Scott offer a comprehensive view of how the industry has evolved and what to expect in the coming years.

01:47 History and Evolution of Wohlers Report

02:54 Wohler Report's Acquisition and Transformation

06:35 Consulting and Advisory Services

13:46 Emerging Trends in Additive Manufacturing

30:28 Challenges and Slowdowns in the Industry

38:01 Scalability in Hardware vs. Software Investments

39:07 Impact of Politics and Trade Policies on Additive Manufacturing

39:55 Complexities and Uncertainties in Global Supply Chains

46:18 European Union's Defense Spending and Additive Manufacturing

52:50 Role of Standards in Additive Manufacturing

01:02:44 Future Trends and Industry Growth Projections

01:14:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Submarines, Supply Chains, & Skilled Labor: Inside the Navy’s Advanced Manufacturing Push Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the podcast, host Fabian Alefeld interviews Chris Holshouser, Deputy Program Director of Maritime Systems at BlueForge Alliance. They discuss the Navy's ambitious projects, focusing on advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and workforce development. Chris elaborates on the challenges and goals associated with the Columbia and Virginia class submarines, the importance of enhancing the maritime industrial base, and the need for skilled labor in manufacturing. The conversation also touches on the establishment of the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, partnerships with various organizations, and the long-term vision for modernization and technological integration in shipbuilding.

More information on the Maritime Industrial Base Additive Manufacturing Excellence training available here.

01:23 Meet Chris and BlueForge Alliance

02:37 Mission and Impact of BlueForge Alliance

04:32 Understanding the US Navy's Triad and Submarine Classes

07:03 Challenges in Modernizing the Industrial Base

12:30 Role of Additive Manufacturing in the Navy

19:26 Understanding Metallurgy in Welding

19:40 Applications and Supply Chain Impact

21:22 Certification and Qualification Process

22:42 Additive Manufacturing in Practice

24:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing

28:17 Interdisciplinary Nature of Additive Manufacturing

30:18 Evaluating Parts for Additive Manufacturing

32:54 Advancements in Additive Manufacturing

37:01 Future Directions and Call to Action

Additive Manufacturing, Then & Now: A Conversation with Alex Oster, Autodesk Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld interviews Alex Oster, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Autodesk. The conversation spans Alex's journey from his early career in 1998 in Bavaria to his current influential role at Autodesk. They delve into the evolution of the additive manufacturing industry, from its early days to the current market dynamics and innovations, including the impact of AI and simulation technologies.

Alex shares stories from his time at FIT and Netfabb, including the challenges and innovations they faced. He explains Autodesk's strategy of integrating specialized tools into one cohesive platform, Fusion 360, which offers comprehensive solutions for both industrial and mass-market applications. They also discuss the crucial role of workforce development and the importance of making advanced manufacturing tools accessible to students and professionals. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of additive manufacturing and the impact of AI on the industry.

01:09 Alex's Journey into Additive Manufacturing

02:32 Early Industry Challenges and Innovations

07:29 Growth and Development of NetFabb

12:16 Impact of FDM Revolution

21:32 Autodesk Acquisition and Integration

30:13 Fusion 360: A Comprehensive Tool

37:31 Workforce Development and Industry Adoption

47:15 The Rise of Low-Cost Machines

48:29 The Evolution of Metal Additive Manufacturing

49:43 Western Machine Vendors and Market Dynamics

50:03 High-End Custom Machines and Industry Trends

53:49 AI's Role in Additive Manufacturing

54:44 Autodesk's Product Strategy and Market Position

56:52 Simulation and Surrogate Modeling

01:10:01 Challenges in Polymer Simulation

01:11:30 AI and Computer Vision in Manufacturing

01:14:30 The Future of Manufacturing Integration

Implicit Design, AI & Next Gen Design Tools: Inside nTop’s Bold New Design Frontier Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes Brad Rothenberg, CEO and founder of nTop, formerly known as nTopology. They discuss the evolution of additive manufacturing and nTop’s role over the past three to four years. Topics include the founding story of nTop, the concept of implicit modeling, and how design tools have rapidly changed. Brad shares insights on using nTop for aviation design, thermal management, and heat exchanger design, pointing out the shift from traditional CAD to innovative parametric modeling for effective engineering solutions. They also explore the future impact of AI on engineering and how nTop is integrating AI to enhance design processes. The episode closes with a look at educational resources and training for engineers new to nTop.

1:37 The Founding Story of nTop

05:07 Implicit Modeling and Design Evolution

10:22 nTop's Impact on the Aviation Industry

19:32 Thermal Management and Heat Exchangers

31:05 Recreating Existing Models in nTop

2:16 Intern Projects: Building Gliders and Drones

33:44 Understanding Process Knowledge in 3D Printing

34:59 Custom Blocks and Design Rules in nTop

37:08 N Top's Role in Legacy and New Designs

38:17 Future Roadmap: Integration and Simulation

44:16 AI and Machine Learning in nTop

57:54 Lowering Barriers for Engineers

From Desktop to Factory Floor: AM’s Expanding Reach Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Additive Snack Podcast, host Fabian Alefeld welcomes Carolyn Schwaar, the editor of All3DP.com. Together, they explore current trends in additive manufacturing, the transition of hobbyists to professionals, and the role of platforms like All3DP and Kraft Cloud in the industry. Carolyn shares success stories from readers who have integrated 3D printing into their professional lives, the impact of tariffs on the industry, and the importance of reliable resources for learning about additive manufacturing. They also discuss the rise of specialized contract manufacturers and how the accessibility of 3D printing services is transforming various sectors.

Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at additive.snack@eos-na.com. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS.

For more information about ALL3DP, visit their website and connect with Carolyn Schwaar on LinkedIn.

01:51 Overview of All3DP.com

03:01 Craft Cloud and 3D Printing Services

04:41 Transition from Hobbyist to Professional

07:48 Resources for Industrial Additive Manufacturing

12:29 Contract Manufacturing Insights

18:20 Global Trends and Tariffs Impact

30:09 European Market and Defense Applications

34:40 Favorite Additive Manufacturing Stories

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