3Degrees Discussions

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161

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Dr. Mike Vasquez is a 3D Printing expert specializing in pushing the boundaries of advanced 3D printing technology. He is the Founder and CEO of 3Degrees, a Chicago-based consulting company focused on helping organizations maximize their investment in the technology. Over the past decade he has worked side-by-side with some of the top machine manufacturers, material producers and end users in the industry, consulting with them to identify novel applications, test new materials and develop frameworks to maximize R&D efficiency and boost ROI. Based on insights gleaned from the consulting, Mike has spun out two additional organizations. First, a software company called TraceAM with the mission to help manufacturers organize and analyze their 3D Printing digital data. In the last year, they have worked with customers such as Air Force Research Lab, Renishaw, Ohio State University and Fabrisonic. The second organization, AMx or Advanced Manufacturing Experience, was created by Mike to offer an on-ramp for new workers from disadvantaged regions looking to enter the field of Advanced Manufacturing. A voluntary effort designed to give back to the industry and community, the pilot course was run in the West Side of Chicago and with support from America Makes and West Side Forward. In 2022, AMx is hoping to secure funding to branch out to multiple cities and regions. He completed his PhD in Additive Manufacturing at Loughborough University and received both his Bachelors and Masters from MIT in Materials Science and Engineering. Mike is regularly asked to speak as an expert on the topic of 3D Printing and has given talks at SxSW, the National Association of Attorneys General annual meeting and numerous industry conferences. Mike is the host of 3Degrees Discussions, a weekly podcast where he speaks with the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the 3D Printing industry. Currently the show has over 89 episodes including interviews from leaders at NASA, Ford and Boeing.

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April 22, 202632 min

3Degrees Discussions #162-David Helmers-Wolfpack Workshop

In this episode of 3Degrees Discussions, Mike Vasquez sits down with David Helmers, owner of Wolfpack Workshop, a startup additive manufacturing and engineering company based in Columbus, Ohio. David shares his journey as a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur, drawing on hands-on experience in CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and design for manufacturing. The conversation explores what it takes to build a business in the additive manufacturing space, lessons learned from practical engineering work, and where David sees opportunities for the next generation of manufacturing innovation. Topics discussed include: • Starting and growing an additive manufacturing business • Practical applications of 3D printing in engineering and production • Design for manufacturing and the role of craftsmanship • Entrepreneurship in manufacturing • Opportunities and challenges in the future of additive manufacturing If you enjoy conversations with innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in 3D printing, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow 3Degrees Discussions. Learn more at www.3degreescompany.com For additive manufacturing support, materials qualification, or consulting inquiries: info@3degreescompany.com Listen to 3Degrees Discussions on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and Stitcher. #AdditiveManufacturing #3DPrinting #Engineering #Manufacturing #CNCMachining #DesignForManufacturing #Entrepreneurship #MechanicalEngineering #AM #3DegreesDiscussions

March 27, 202626 min

3Degrees Discussions #161 - Bryan Sherman

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 3D printing industry. In this episode, I’m joined by Bryan Sherman, Chief Metallurgist at DSH Technologies. Bryan brings over two decades of experience in metal injection molding (MIM) and sinter-based manufacturing, with deep expertise in debinding, sintering, and process development across both MIM and metal additive manufacturing. His background spans part design through full-scale production, giving him a unique perspective on process control, repeatability, and quality. As interest continues to grow in sinter-based additive manufacturing, Bryan shares lessons learned from MIM and how they apply to scaling AM technologies today. Learn more & subscribe: Visit www.3degreescompany.com Listen on your favorite platform: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more Work with us: Looking for support with materials, qualification, or additive manufacturing strategy? Reach out at info@3degreescompany.com

February 28, 202638 min

3Degrees Discussions #160 - Steven Floyd

From South Bend, Indiana — welcome to 3Degrees Discussions, hosted by Mike Vasquez. This podcast explores the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and technical leaders shaping the world of additive manufacturing and advanced production. In this episode, Mike sits down with Steven Floyd, an experienced engineering and technology leader focused on accelerating the adoption of additive and advanced manufacturing. Steven is the CEO and Chief Engineer of Floyd Technology Consulting LLC, where he works with organizations to implement cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and drive innovation strategies. Prior to launching his consulting firm, Steven led additive manufacturing technology development at Northrop Grumman, guiding multidisciplinary teams across aerospace and defense applications. His experience spans polymer, composite, ceramic, and metal AM technologies, as well as strategic engineering partnerships and R&D initiatives. Tune in as we discuss leadership in advanced manufacturing, scaling innovation inside large organizations, and what it really takes to move additive from development to deployment. Subscribe to 3Degrees Discussions wherever you listen to podcasts — including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more. For more episodes and resources, visit: 👉 www.3degreescompany.com If your organization is looking for support in materials, qualification, or additive manufacturing strategy, reach out to the 3Degrees team at info@3degreescompany.com .

January 16, 202638 min

3Degrees Discussions #159 - Daniel Werner - INSPIRE

From South Bend, welcome to 3Degrees Discussions. I’m your host, Mike Vasquez, and this podcast explores the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the world of additive manufacturing and 3D printing. In this episode, I’m joined by Daniel Werner, a materials engineer specializing in powder bed fusion across both polymer and metal additive manufacturing. Daniel previously worked at EMS, supporting materials development and customer-facing AM programs, and is currently focused on advancing PBF materials and accelerating their transition from R&D into scalable, production-ready applications with INSPIRE in Switzerland. During our conversation, Daniel offers a candid perspective on the realities of materials commercialization in additive manufacturing, noting that “it typically takes four years and more than two million dollars to transition a new powder concept from early development to full commercial deployment.” We dig into what drives that timeline and cost, where companies tend to underestimate the effort, and how teams can better position new materials for successful scale-up. Before we get started, head over to 3Degrees at www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. You can listen to 3Degrees Discussions wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Stitcher. If you or your organization are looking for support with materials development, qualification, or broader additive manufacturing strategy, reach out to the 3Degrees team through our website or by email at info@3degreescompany.com . For more episodes, insights, and AM content, visit www.3degreescompany.com .

December 12, 202530 min

3DegreesDiscussions #158 - Haden Quinlan - MIT

From South Bend, Indiana, welcome to 3Degrees Discussions. In this episode, Mike sits down with Haden Quinlan, Senior Program Manager at MIT’s Center for Advanced Production Technologies (ADAPT). Haden has been a key force across MIT’s innovation ecosystem—supporting startups, building industry partnerships, and shaping how additive manufacturing and digital production move from research into real-world deployment. We explore his path through MIT, the evolving landscape of AM workforce development, and how universities, industry, and government can better collaborate to accelerate adoption and impact. Connect with Haden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hquinlan/ Before we get started, head over to www.3degreescompany.com to subscribe. You can listen to the show on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. And if your team needs support with materials, qualification, or AM data and workflow management, reach out at info@3degreescompany.com . Be sure to visit www.3degreescompany.com for more content and episodes.

November 21, 202533 min

3Degrees Discussions #157-Jonathan Pegues - Amaero

From South Bend, Indiana, welcome to 3Degrees Discussions — the podcast devoted to the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the 3D printing and advanced manufacturing world. I’m your host, Mike Vasquez. In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Pegues. Jonathan helps teams push the science and application of advanced manufacturing forward, with a career rooted in: Microstructural analysis Process and build optimization Practical problem-solving across refractory and reactive alloy systems Jonathan has a rare ability to translate deep technical insights into real-world manufacturing solutions—improving product performance, streamlining development cycles, and bridging the gap between R&D, manufacturing operations, and industry partners. Throughout his career, he’s focused on helping organizations understand how manufacturing decisions impact material behavior, structural performance, and long-term reliability. 🔗 Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-pegues/ Before we get started, head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. You can listen to 3Degrees Discussions wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and Stitcher. If you or your company are looking for materials, qualification, or general Additive Manufacturing support, reach out to the 3Degrees team: 🌐 Website: https://www.3degreescompany.com 📧 Email: info@3degreescompany.com Thanks for listening, and enjoy the conversation with Jonathan Pegues.

November 13, 202524 min

3Degrees Discussions #156 - Killian Erickson - Bifrost Manufacturing

From South Bend, Indiana—welcome to 3Degrees Discussions. I’m your host, Mike Vasquez. This podcast is dedicated to the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the 3D printing industry. In this episode, I sit down with Killian Erickson, CEO of Bifrost Manufacturing, an additive and advanced manufacturing company based in North Dakota. With more than a decade of hands-on experience spanning metal and polymer additive, aerospace-grade CNC machining, product design, tooling, and process development, Killian has built Bifrost into a full-service production partner supporting industrial, UAV, and defense applications. We dig into his journey, the challenges of scaling complex manufacturing workflows, and how Bifrost is helping customers move from prototype to production. Before we jump in, head over to www.3degreescompany.com and subscribe to the podcast. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and Stitcher. If you or your company need support with materials, qualification, or general additive manufacturing challenges, reach out anytime via our website or at info@3degreescompany.com .

October 28, 202540 min

3Degrees Discussions #155 - John Barnes - Additive Nexus

3Degrees Discussions – Ep. 155 | John Barnes (Additive Nexus) From South Bend, Indiana—welcome to 3Degrees Discussions. I’m your host, Mike Vasquez. This show digs into the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the 3D printing industry. About this episode My guest is John Barnes, founder of Additive Nexus, a consultancy that helps heavy industry scale additive manufacturing from pilot to production. John previously led AM initiatives within ExxonMobil’s Technical Computing group, connecting engineering, supply chain, and maintenance to real-world AM use cases. We also get into his work around industry standards and digital inventory—think API 20S/20T frameworks and the broader push to make on-demand, trustworthy spare parts a reality at scale. What we cover: Moving from AM pilots to true production in heavy industry Lessons from deploying AM inside a complex enterprise Digital inventory, part criticality, and qualification pathways How API 20S/20T and other standards shape adoption Building trust in on-demand parts—quality, data, and traceability Subscribe & listen Catch every episode and sign up for updates at www.3degreescompany.com . Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or Stitcher—search 3Degrees Discussions wherever you get your podcasts. Work with us If your team needs help with materials, qualification, or general Additive Manufacturing support, reach out at info@3degreescompany.com or visit www.3degreescompany.com . Hashtags: #3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #DigitalInventory #Industrial3DPrinting #AMStandards #API20S #API20T #SupplyChain #OnDemandParts #ManufacturingTech

September 16, 202542 min

3Degrees Discussions #154-Sabina Kumar-Eaton

From South Bend, Indiana, welcome to 3Degrees Discussions, a podcast devoted to sharing the stories behind the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the 3D printing industry. In this episode, host Mike Vasquez sits down with Sabina Kumar, Lead Additive Engineer at Eaton. Sabina brings a deep technical background in materials science and a passion for pushing the boundaries of metal additive manufacturing. Her work focuses on understanding thermo-mechanical effects in titanium alloys and exploring the thermodynamics and phase stability of high-performance metals. Tune in to hear how Sabina’s research and professional experience are driving innovation in aerospace and beyond. 🎧 Listen Anywhere: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Learn More: www.3degreescompany.com 📩 Contact Us: info@3degreescompany.com

July 18, 202541 min

3Degrees Discussions #153 Aaron Chow - Vixiv

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 talk about the evolution of Vixiv (formerly Voxel), the challenges of turning physical testing into usable digital insights, and how his work could reshape design-to-manufacture workflows across industries. 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Learn more at: https://www.3degreescompany.com 📩 Contact us at: info@3degreescompany.com #3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #Vixiv #AI #Engineering #Lattices #AdvancedManufacturing #DesignOptimization #3DegreesDiscussions