The Business of Manufacturing Podcast

The primary source is an article titled "5 things I wish I knew when I started 3D printing smart home enclosures," authored by Sammy Ekaran, which offers practical advice derived from his experience with 3D printing, especially for creating housings for electronics. The article focuses on five key lessons: the importance of material selection for durability and heat resistance, the criticality of tolerances to ensure parts fit toge...

The single source is a CBS News article featuring comments from Gary Cohn, a former Trump administration economic official and current IBM vice chair, regarding the degrading job market. Cohn acknowledges the slowing labor market and the Federal Reserve's recent decision to lower its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points in response to this economic cooling. He explains that companies are now reducing labor costs—their ...

The provided source offers a detailed overview of vapor smoothing, a post-processing technique for 3D printed parts that creates a smooth, sealed, and polished surface using solvent vapor. The text explains that this technique, sometimes called chemical vapor smoothing, melts the outermost layer of thermoplastic materials, causing it to self-level and fill microscopic imperfections. The process is broken down into distinct stages, ...

 "The Curse of Genius" published by the Mensa Foundation, written by Manuj Aggarwal. This personal essay explores the challenges of high intelligence, detailing the author's isolation and lack of emotional connection despite his professional success in technology at companies like Microsoft and Pearson. Aggarwal discusses his journey from seeking logical solutions to recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence and human be...

The source focuses on the challenges associated with the final stages of production in additive manufacturing, specifically addressing the time-consuming and inconsistent nature of manual post-processing. It describes how this manual labor often serves as a significant impediment, or bottleneck, particularly when manufacturers must meet tight deadlines or high-quality standards. The text then introduces the solution provided by Pro...

This episode is detailing how the company IperionX received an additional $25 million in U.S. government funding to enhance domestic production of titanium powder. This new funding is part of a larger contract from the Department of Defense's (DoD) Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, following two earlier tranches. The capital is designated for scaling up titanium and advanced manufacturing capabilities at the ...

This episode discusses a significant scientific advancement where B.C. researchers successfully 3D-printed lung tissue that accurately mimicked human lung function. This 3D bioprinted model, composed of three distinct cell types and structures resembling blood vessels, was stress-tested by exposing it to cigarette smoke, demonstrating an inflammatory response similar to actual lungs. The creation of such a complex and consistent 3D...

This episode outlines StoneReefs, a company focused on restoring marine biodiversity in ports and harbors using 3D-printed elements. These artificial reefs are designed to attach to existing sheet piles, creating organic shapes and hiding places for marine life without disrupting water activities. The technology allows for customizable designs and scalability, with the structures engineered to attract algae, plants, and various org...

The primary source, an article from 3DPrint.com, discusses AMAZEMET's new on-demand atomization service for additive manufacturing (AM) powders, highlighting its affordability and low minimum quantities as beneficial for researchers and new material development. It details the company's expertise in processing various reactive and high-temperature materials and its Powder2Powder recycling technology. The article also suggests futur...

The provided text primarily consists of an article titled "AI Cybersecurity: The New Battleground," which emphasizes the significant and growing threats posed by AI-driven cyberattacks. It highlights how organizations are largely unprepared for these advanced threats, citing statistics on the low maturity of cybersecurity strategies and the widening gap between AI development and security investment. The article details various AI-...

This episode describes a situation where thousands of dollars were stolen from the Esquimalt Ribfest, a charitable event, through the replication of drink tokens using a 3D printer. The article highlights the disappointment of organizers but also the overwhelming positive response from the community. A local company, Sasquatch Heat Pumps, donated $2,000 to replace the stolen funds, and various other offers of help have surfaced. Co...

The provided sources primarily discuss advanced manufacturing techniques, specifically 3D printing, and its diverse applications. One article highlights how 3D printing was utilized to create custom blood-pressure cuffs for gorillas at a zoo, demonstrating a practical application in animal healthcare. This innovative use of technology solves a challenge when traditional tools are unavailable or unsuitable for unique needs. The othe...

The provided text introduces HeyGears' innovative Multi-Material Fusion 3D printing technology, which revolutionizes denture production. This method allows for the simultaneous 3D printing of different dental materials, such as those for teeth and denture bases, in a single, seamless process. This eliminates the traditional, multi-step manual production of dentures, significantly improving efficiency and reducing errors. Coupled wi...

The provided sources discuss advanced manufacturing techniques and their applications within the industry. One primary source, an article from advancedmanufacturing.org, highlights Honda's increased adoption of metal 3D printing technology for creating intricate and lightweight parts in various sectors, including automotive and aerospace, while also overcoming challenges like deformation. This same source also details other aspects...

The provided text explores the current state of the manufacturing sector, presenting a mixed picture of both challenges and emerging optimism. While macroeconomic factors like low job growth, sluggish consumer spending, and tariff concerns have created a challenging environment, some executives are reporting positive indicators. Leaders from companies such as Nucor, Caterpillar, and Sterling Infrastructure highlight robust quoting,...

The provided sources primarily discuss advanced manufacturing and the challenges facing the U.S. industry, particularly in the context of reshoring efforts. One source, an article from AdvancedManufacturing.org, highlights the critical need for skilled workers to support the return of manufacturing jobs to the U.S., emphasizing training, upskilling, and organizational agility. It also mentions the role of education and industry col...

The provided text features excerpts from an article titled "Pure Oats: The Gluten-Free Farming Revolution" and a brief mention of "The Business of Manufacturing Podcast." The article focuses on Glebe Farm Foods, a company specializing in 100% gluten-free oat farming and manufacturing. It highlights the challenges of preventing gluten cross-contamination, the rigorous certification processes for gluten-free products, and the company...

The provided source emphasizes the reimagining of digital efficiency within manufacturing, particularly focusing on the frontline workforce. It argues that while many organizations have invested in digital tools, the true opportunity lies in how these tools are utilized by people, how information flows, and how teams respond. The article highlights the importance of extending digital workplace solutions beyond IT to the factory flo...

This episode overview of Rita Crompton, known as America's Inventor Lady, highlighting her multifaceted role in assisting inventors. It explains her primary work as a licensing agent, where she helps inventors "rent" their patents to bring consumer products to market without upfront fees, receiving compensation only upon a successful deal. The text also details her efforts in taking inventors to major trade shows like ASD Market We...