Aaron Chow | AI, Lattices & the Future of 3D Printing Design | 3Degrees Discussions Podcast In this episode, Mike Vasquez sits down with Aaron Chow, co-founder and CEO of Vixiv, a Cincinnati-based startup revolutionizing the way engineers design and test 3D-printed parts. With deep experience in electrical engineering and additive manufacturing, Aaron shares how his team is using AI and real-world failure data to optimize complex lattice structures for strength, weight, and performance. We t...
Jul 18, 2025•41 min
From South Bend, Indiana – welcome to 3Degrees Discussions. I’m your host, Mike Vasquez. In this episode, I’m joined by Paweł Slusarczyk, a leading writer, analyst, and consultant in the 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing industry. Paweł is known for reshaping the AM narrative in 2024—challenging assumptions, exposing what others often leave unsaid, and cutting through the hype. He runs The 3D Printing War Journal, contributes to top publications, and has authored thousands of pieces on 3D p...
Jun 27, 2025•48 min
🎙️ Welcome to 3Degrees Discussions, a podcast from South Bend, Indiana, hosted by Mike Vasquez. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Molitch-Hou, Content Strategy and Marketing Manager for Global Advanced Manufacturing Programs at ASTM International. Michael leads communications for the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) and brings over a decade of 3D printing experience to his role, helping shape the global conversation around advanced manufacturing standards, outreach, a...
May 22, 2025•40 min
3Degrees Discussions | Episode 150 "The State of 3D Printing, AI, Tariffs — and Mike’s Favorite Movie" Guest Host: Caroline Vasquez For this special 150th episode, the mic gets turned on 3Degrees founder and CEO Mike Vasquez — with his wife, Caroline, leading the conversation. This wide-ranging discussion covers where the 3D printing industry stands today, how tariffs and global dynamics are shaping manufacturing, and the growing influence of AI on design, production, and workflows. And because ...
May 02, 2025•45 min
From South Bend, Indiana — welcome to 3Degrees Discussions! I’m your host, Mike Vasquez. This podcast dives into the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the future of the 3D Printing industry. In this episode, we sit down with Laurie Krupa, a seasoned sales leader who has made a major impact in the world of additive manufacturing. Laurie brings years of experience in driving growth and community engagement across the AM sector. She’s also an active force in Women in...
Apr 17, 2025•40 min
Welcome to 3Degrees Discussions, the podcast that brings you the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the 3D printing industry. Hosted by Mike Vasquez from South Bend, Indiana, we dive into the cutting-edge world of additive manufacturing. In this episode, we sit down with Faisal Iqbal, Head of Digital for Baker Hughes Additive Business Services. I first met Faisal at the ASTM ICAM conference, where he shared valuable insights on how his team is revolutionizing data ...
Mar 19, 2025•38 min
3Degrees Discussions is a podcast dedicated to exploring the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the 3D printing industry. Hosted by Mike Vasquez from South Bend, Indiana, each episode dives into groundbreaking advancements, industry challenges, and the people shaping the future of additive manufacturing. In this episode, we welcome Harshil Goel, an inventor, engineer, and mathematician with degrees in pure mathematics and mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley. As the ...
Mar 12, 2025•34 min
That was Elissa Ross. Elissa has been working at the intersection of mathematics and manufacturing for the last 15 years. She’s the CEO of Metafold where they’ve created design and engineering software for additive manufacturing. Their team builds ultra-robust, geometric infrastructure for 3D printing and industry 4.0. Today she shares her journey from mathematics to Additive Manufacturing and her entrepreneurial journey along the way. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com a...
Dec 11, 2024•34 min
That was Nick Sonnentag. Nick founded Sunnyday Technologies in 2023 and converted his basement workshop into a fully-functioning concrete additive manufacturing lab where he works several nights a week to test, create, and modify binder systems for 3D printing. Nick currently works at Oshkosh Corporation where he leads efforts to integrate advanced manufacturing methods and materials into heavy-duty automotive applications with a strong emphasis on large-scale 3D printing technologies. This incl...
Oct 17, 2024•49 min
That was Mohammad Elahinia. Mohammed is currently serving as Interim Dean of the College of Engineering, was most recently the Chair and a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (MIME). He serves as Director of the Dynamic and Smart Systems Laboratory at The University of Toledo. He has been on the faculty of UToledo since 2004. Mohammed graduated from Villanova University with an MS degree and from Virginia Tech with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering...
Sep 25, 2024•35 min
That was Mohsen Taheri Andani. Mohsen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, with a courtesy appointment in Materials Science & Engineering. He received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2022 under the supervision of Prof. Amit Misra. His research focuses on establishing the inter-relationship between processing, microstructure, and properties in metallic materials. Mohsen has worked on se...
Jul 26, 2024•33 min
More info: www.3degreescompany.com Quick recap In the meeting, Mike and Jack discussed a new series of interviews highlighting professionals in various fields. The first interviewee, Jack, detailed his career path in 3D printing and custom orthotics at Sure Step, a company founded by his father. The discussion also covered the integration of 3D printing into traditional manufacturing processes, the skills required for success in a lab environment, and future advancements in 3D printing technolog...
Jun 06, 2024•35 min
That was Andy Davis. Andy spent most of his 19 years with the Army working in and around manufacturing technology and the defense industrial base. In his role with the Department of Defense (DoD), Andy was part of the team that responded to the White House call to establish the Manufacturing USA institutes, championed the initial Army, and eventually DoD-wide additive manufacturing technology roadmaps; and convened key Army AM leaders to form the Army’s AM Community of Practice (CoP), all leadin...
May 10, 2024•40 min
That was Matt Donovan. Matt has had a long and successful career in the Additive Manufacturing sector going back to the early days of the technology. He started his career as a Manufacturing Engineering and he shares his story today on the winding paths he’s taken in the world of 3D Printing. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher...
Apr 18, 2024•38 min
That was Sarah Jordan. Sarah is a metallurgical engineer and materials scientist who is passionate about solving problems, process improvement, and process efficiency. She has worked in metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) since 2015. Sarah is currently focused on developing a new hybrid process called additive manufacturing evaporative casting (AMEC) at her company Skuld Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the...
Mar 22, 2024•32 min
That was Steven Szymeczek. Steven is a mechanical engineer with more than 12 years of experience across aerospace, oil & gas, consumer, and medical device industries. His broad areas of expertise include product development, engineering, and implementing design for traditional & Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing strategies. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts incl...
Mar 01, 2024•37 min
That was Jordan Weston. Jordan is now a full time employee with the Additive Manufacturing Users Group conference having previously spent a number of years supporting and leading AM efforts at the Milwaukee School of Engineering Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualifi...
Feb 16, 2024•36 min
Dr. Frazier founded Pilgrim Consulting LLC following a successful 39 year long career within the Department of the Navy. Upon retiring, he held the positions of “The Navy Senior Scientist for Materials Engineering,” and “The Chief Scientist for the Air Vehicle Department” at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Dr. Bill Frazier received his BS, MS, and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Engineering from Drexel University Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the ...
Jan 31, 2024•53 min
That was Tali Rosman. Tali is a recognized business leader in the AM space having worked on multiple deals through out the sector. In today’s episode she shares her career journey with stops along the way at Stratasys and Xerox. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for materials, qualifi...
Jan 11, 2024•34 min
That was Faith Oehlerking. She’s works in Manufacturing Programs for Beehive Industries. Her experience has been working in the aviation and additive manufacturing industry with a focus in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF). She has a bachelor of science degree focused in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Colorado School of Mines. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcast...
Dec 13, 2023•37 min
That was Janet Dickinson. She is the CRO at Endeavor 3D. They have built a contract manufacturing business from the ground up and she joins the show today to talk about that journey and the challenges the team has overcome to make a successful business in AM. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are...
Dec 01, 2023•34 min
That was Amy Alexander. Amy is a Unit Head of Biomechanical Development & Applied Computational Engineering at the Mayo Clinic Division of Engineering. She joins the show today to share her journey in additive manufacturing and its impact on the medical sector. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your compa...
Oct 25, 2023•47 min
That was David Scannapieco. David is the Scientific Development Management Manager at NSL Analytical. David Experienced Researcher with an interest in mechanical characterization, reliability testing of materials, and the development of novel metallic materials through additive manufacturing Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher....
Oct 04, 2023•42 min
That was Abdalla Nassar. Abdalla is Expert in Advanced & Additive Manufacturing with a decade of experience developing & leading cross-disciplinary R&D Programs spanning MRL and TRL Levels. Abdalla spent a number of years as a professor at Penn State and is now the Enterprise Additive Manufacturing Lead at John Deere Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts includin...
Sep 28, 2023•41 min
That was Jeff Grabowski. Jeff is recognized as an international thought leader in advanced materials design and commercialization across key industries, including space, aerospace, medical device, automotive, high performance racing, energy, consumer electronics and others. In his current role as Manager of Business Development for QuesTek Innovations, Jeff is at the forefront of identifying the most pressing materials challenges faced by industry, and arriving at solutions by leveraging QuesTek...
Sep 14, 2023•33 min
That was Niall O’Dowd. Niall is the founder of Phase3D a company providing solutions for part monitoring and process control for additive manufacturing. Nial completed his PhD in Structural Engineering from University of California San Diego. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for mate...
Aug 30, 2023•41 min
That was Yash Parikh. Yash is a process engineering consultant at EOS North America. In this role, his primary responsibility is to provide guidance and support to EOS consumers in effectively implementing AM technology within their organizations. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Stitcher. Also, if you or your company are looking for...
Aug 09, 2023•37 min
That was David Tucker and Kristin Mulherin. Combined these two have years of AM experience and over the past several months have worked together to create the ImplmentAM workshop series across the country. This episode features the story of how these workshops came to be and the gap they saw in the AM event circuit. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere you download your podcasts including Spotify, Ap...
Aug 02, 2023•27 min
Emil Johansson is the CPO and co-founder of the French-Swedish startup ADAXIS. ADAXIS is building software with the aim to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by making it effortless to use robotic arms as flexible 3D printers for plastics, composites, metals, and concrete parts. Their vision is to become the key enabler for a resilient and localized manufacturing ecosystem by combining robotics with modern process technologies. Emil has an extensive background working with additive manufac...
Jul 19, 2023•36 min
John Middendorf is highly regarded in the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, with expertise in development of AM machines and unique capabilities, such as multimaterial laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), hybrid additive/subtractive LPBF, and advanced in situ sensing. He most recently served as director of Open Additive, a leader in advanced metal LPBF AM systems. Before we get started head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. Remember you can listen to the show anywhere ...
Jun 26, 2023•39 min
