Additive Snack

Fabian Alefeld hosts Duann Scott on the Editor Snack podcast to discuss how AI is evolving in additive manufacturing, moving from “AI-washing” and impractical text-to-mesh hype toward more capable tools using language models, visual language models, surrogate models, and emerging foundational models. Scott describes testing tools by trying to make them fail and highlights a recent success with the Raven plugin for Rhino/Grasshopper, which generated a parametric VESA mount and tripod adapter from minimal prompts, then iteratively added fillets and an isogrid structure and produced a printable part within hours. They discuss constraints like missing engineering training data and design intent, the promise of AI for toolpath and process optimization (including transfer of parameter knowledge across materials), and the role of the 3MF format in capturing toolpath and metadata to enable richer, searchable datasets. Scott previews CDFAM events in Barcelona, DC, and Tokyo and emphasizes that progress requires significant data work and investment.
 
 
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
 
02:18 AI Hype to Real Progress
 
04:13 Testing AI Design Tools
 
04:46 Data Gaps and Design Intent
 
07:15 Two Paths for AI Design
 
10:15 Raven Grasshopper Breakthrough
 
13:17 Pushing Parametric Complexity
 
20:28 Limits of Black Box Optimization
 
22:40 Toolpath and Material Transfer
 
26:18 Alloy Discovery and Qualification
 
28:05 3MF Role Teaser
 
28:18 3MF Format Overview
 
29:17 Smarter Toolpath Extensions
 
32:31 Metadata for AI Training
 
35:43 Data Ownership and Synthetic Data
 
39:59 AI Impact on Additive
 
44:10 Workforce and Reshoring
 
47:22 What Is CDFAM
 
49:49 CDFAM Audience and Format
 
51:43 DC Event and Government
 
54:05 Wrap Up and Thanks

 

Creators and Guests

Host
Fabian Alefeld

What is Additive Snack?

Join host Fabian Alefeld and a range of guests as they discuss all things additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing news, with interviews and real-world stories to educate and entertain. Each episode, Fabian talks to AM experts, professionals in specialist fields, and 3D printing users from all walks of life to deliver a well-rounded view on the state of AM.

Cut through the confusion surrounding polymer and metal additive manufacturing solutions with our digestible, down-to-earth discussions that deliver insights into common mistakes and best practice tips so you can get a clear understanding of AM — layer for layer.

Whether you’re curious about 3D printing technology for the aerospace industry, a deep dive into post processing, or applications of injection molding — we leave no spare parts behind. We want to provide you with the additive insight needed to stay laser focused and leverage every opportunity 3D printing materials have to offer.

Join us for an Additive Snack and we’ll help you and your business achieve growth and success through the latest developments in AM.

No marketing B.S. and no product pitches. Just the education, inspiration and information you and your organization need to drive business growth, brought to you by global AM leader EOS.

Get ready to feed your AM knowledge and find your path to success!