The Business of Manufacturing Podcast

This episode focuses on the upcoming release of Nike’s 3D-printed Air Max 1000 sneaker in summer 2025. The article highlights Nike's collaboration with Zellerfeld, a startup specializing in fully 3D-printed, glue-free footwear, utilizing fused filament fabrication (FFF) and ZellerFoam material to create lightweight, breathable, and custom-fit shoes. Beyond this specific product, the source also touches upon Nike's broader use of ad...

This news article details a partnership between Hyperion Robotics, a Finnish additive construction company, and the UK's National Grid to test 3D-printed concrete foundations for substations. The goal of this initiative, funded by the UK Government’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), is to significantly reduce concrete usage and carbon emissions in infrastructure projects. Hyperion Robotics will manufacture the foundat...

This episode highlights the cybersecurity risks associated with out-of-office email replies, specifically how they can be exploited for phishing and business email compromise (BEC) attacks. It details how seemingly innocuous information in auto-replies, such as names, dates, and contact details, can be leveraged by hackers to impersonate individuals and deceive colleagues into making unauthorized transactions. The source then offer...

Research from Türkiye where scientists are developing a 3D-printed patch designed to deliver medication directly to colon cancer tumors. The patches are composed of polycaprolactone and gelatin and can carry either traditional chemotherapy or, notably, an extract from the Moringa oleifera plant, known for its natural medicinal properties. Lab testing has shown that the Moringa-based patches were more effective at killing cancer cel...

While traditional slavery is seen as a historical relic, modern "slavery" exists in capitalist democracies through economic structures and institutional controls that benefit the public sector over the private sector. It contends that government bodies and tax-funded institutions have become self-serving bureaucracies consuming significant resources without commensurate public benefit, creating an imbalance where private sector wor...

Cybersecurity expert Ben Jones, who warns against using short, number-only passwords because they can be instantly cracked by hackers. He recommends creating strong, longer passwords that include a variety of characters, or preferably, a pass-phrase. The expert also suggests using multi-factor authentication, preferably through an authenticator app, and avoiding clicking suspicious email links by typing the address directly into th...

Former Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne's 2015 "Confessions of a Capital Junkie" presentation, which criticized the auto industry for inefficient spending and poor returns. He argued that combining resources and streamlining operations was essential for survival. The author posits that ten years later, the industry largely ignored his advice, and Chinese automakers, with their integrated supply chains and rapid innovation, now e...

The source announces that Foot Solutions, a retailer of footwear and custom orthotics, has collaborated with pickleball professional Ben Johns to introduce 3D-printed orthotics specifically for pickleball players. Developed with input from Johns, who is also a material science engineer, the orthotics are designed to address common issues like pain and fatigue while improving on-court movement and performance for players in the rapi...

 Lithoz's new material, LithaBite, an alumina-based ceramic designed for 3D printing translucent orthodontic brackets. The article highlights the precision and aesthetic benefits of LithaBite, emphasizing its ability to create highly accurate wire slots crucial for effective tooth movement and a comfortable patient experience. Beyond aesthetics, the text notes the efficiency advantages for dental labs, including minimal material us...

A press release from Kraken Robotics Inc. announces that their subsidiary, 3D At Depth, has reached a significant achievement by completing its 1,000th subsea metrology project. This milestone highlights 3D At Depth's expertise in underwater measurement solutions using LiDAR technology. The release details a recent project conducted for TotalEnergies in Angola, where LiDAR spool metrology was quickly performed by an ROV in deep wat...

This episode focuses on metrology, the science of measurement, and quality control within the manufacturing sector. It features articles and news related to various technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine vision, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0. Content covers topics such as workforce transformation in the AI era, new product introductions, technological innovations, customer applications, and industry t...

This excerpt discusses the potential of the Slate electric pickup truck to revolutionize the automotive aftermarket through customization, particularly leveraging 3D printing. The article posits that the truck's low cost and simple design, with numerous attachment points, could foster a robust ecosystem for designing and producing custom parts, much like the early days of the Model T. It highlights that 3D printing is already being...

The source describes a novel material called transparent wood, explaining its creation by removing lignin from wood and infusing it with a polymer. This material boasts several advantages over glass and traditional wood, including superior strength, better insulation, diffused light transmission, and environmental friendliness. The text traces the origins of transparent wood research and highlights its diverse potential application...

This comprehensive guide outlines the significant shift in manufacturing driven by the digital revolution, emphasizing that it's more than just adopting new technologies but a complete rethinking of processes. It highlights key technologies like AI, IoT, and additive manufacturing, detailing their benefits such as increased efficiency, improved product quality, and enhanced sustainability. This also addresses common challenges, inc...

The increasing integration of robotics in dentistry, highlighting its potential to improve precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes. It traces the history of technology in dentistry, notes the current applications of robotic systems in various procedures, and emphasizes the importance of incorporating robotics training into dental education. The source also examines the projected growth of the robotic dentistry market, the poten...

CNBC article explores the impact of increased tariffs on goods imported from China under the Trump administration, particularly on Amazon sellers. It explains that many sellers rely on China for manufacturing due to lower costs and will likely pass these increased costs onto consumers, leading to higher prices on various products. The text highlights how these tariffs create challenges for U.S.-based businesses that import from Chi...

QR code scams pose a significant threat, including a specific type called a brushing scam where unsolicited packages are sent to facilitate fake online reviews. It warns that these initial scams can be gateways to more severe cybercrimes like SIM swapping, which can compromise banking information. To mitigate these risks, the text advises against scanning QR codes from untrusted origins, suggests reporting unsolicited packages, and...

Proto3000's website highlights the versatility and precision of Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology for creating detailed parts with smooth surfaces. They emphasize SLA's ability to produce functional prototypes and low-volume end-use components across various industries, including medical and manufacturing. The text underscores the accuracy, material options, and reduced post-processing needs as key advantages of SLA. P...

Recent advancements in humanoid robotics are highlighted across several developments. Sanctuary AI's Phoenix robots now possess tactile sensors, mimicking human touch for improved remote operation. Boston Dynamics unveiled an electric Atlas robot using AI for complex tasks in industrial settings. Furthermore, the lifelike Acha robot demonstrates conversational AI, while Mecca exhibits unsettlingly humanlike interactions. In additio...