Cool Products, the People Who Develop Them, and How They Do It. Host Jon Hirschtick chats with innovators in product development and explores what it takes to t...
Pushing the Boundaries of 3D Printing – Andre Comella, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Inkbit
Inkbit is redefining 3D printing with its cutting-edge, scalable technology, using inkjet-based printing and UV-cured resins to create precise, multi-material parts like overmolds and integrated seals. In this episode, Jon Hirschtick chats with Andre Comella, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Inkbit, about how their innovative process for printing elastomers and lattices is transforming prototyping and production. Andre dives into the challenges of designing for additive manufacturing, the opportunities of 3D-printed parts in various industries, and how his diverse engineering background influences his creative problem-solving approach.
--------
19:33
Automating Agriculture with Robotics – Rory Aronson, Founder and CEO of FarmBot
Did you know there are robots that make growing food as easy as playing Farmville? FarmBot is an open-source, automated system that operates like a 3D printer for gardens, capable of planting seeds, watering, and monitoring plants autonomously. In this episode, Jon Hirschtick sits down with Rory Aronson, the CEO and founder of Farmbot, to learn of the company’s origins, the challenges of developing such a complex product, the advantages of open-source design, and the impactful applications of FarmBot (including an initiative for coral reef restoration). In addition, Rory shares why he chose Onshape as the company’s design tool and how its platform enables collaborative design processes.
--------
24:52
Miniaturizing Manufacturing with Micro 3D Printing - Domenico Foglia, Founder and CEO of Nanovoxel
Ever see a 3D-printed part that’s so tiny that it’s practically invisible? NanoVoxel, a Vienna-based company specializing in two-photon polymerization (2PP) 3D-printing technology, is pushing the boundaries for how small micro-components for products can be. The company's 2PP technology is so precise, they can create parts as small as a few microns, opening new possibilities for industries ranging from consumer electronics to biomedical devices. In this episode, NanoVoxel founder and CEO Domenico Foglia chats with host Jon Hirschtick about his innovative technology that integrates 3D printing with casting, molding, and sintering to deliver high-precision, high-value parts in various materials. He also highlights the challenges and opportunities of bringing micro 3D printing to market – and speculates on the future impact of 2PP technology.
--------
16:34
Embracing Change in Engineering – Mark Lugowski, Project Manager at HMFT Inc.
Catalyzing change within a company is no easy task, but Mark Lugowski has successfully implemented new systems and processes in several organizations. He improves efficiency and drives innovation in engineering projects by examining how other industries adopt new technologies. As a project manager at HMFT, a provider of industrial-grade pumps, valves, filters, and equipment, Mark leads the value-add engineering department, creating custom fluid handling solutions for different industries including oil and gas, automotive, and hydropower. In this episode, Mark shares his insights with host Jon Hirschtick on integrating cloud-based platforms like Asana and Slack, and AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Rize (a time-tracking software) to enhance productivity, responsibility, and accountability within project teams. He explains strategic change management, gradual implementation, and clear communication to reduce change fatigue and understand its benefits.
--------
19:25
Pulling off the “Engineering Hat-Trick” – MIT Prof. John Hart, Co-founder of VulcanForms and Desktop Metal
As the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, a leader in manufacturing science and technology research, and a co-founder of multiple successful businesses, Prof. John Hart’s career is an “engineering hat-trick.” His contributions to the trifecta of education, research, and entrepreneurship have earned him numerous industry awards and accolades. Beyond academia, John is the co-founder VulcanForms and Desktop Metal, two disruptive companies shaking up the world of additive manufacturing. In this episode, host Jon Hirschtick chats with Prof. Hart about VulcanForms’ integration of advanced technologies like fusion power and artificial intelligence with additive manufacturing processes. He also explores how this new approach impacts the global production landscape and examines the challenges and opportunities associated with widespread adoption. The professor additionally shares advice for aspiring researchers in the field of manufacturing.
Cool Products, the People Who Develop Them, and How They Do It. Host Jon Hirschtick chats with innovators in product development and explores what it takes to turn ideas into reality.
![Podcast THREE](https://nz.radio.net/podcast-images/300/three2.jpeg?version="ebc3525af73620f9dbb60f1ad38b0cc0")
New Zealand