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The Manufacturers' NetworkReal conversations with leaders in manufacturing, automation, and workforce retention. Author: Lisa Ryan
The Manufacturers Network is where manufacturing leaders, plant managers, and industry innovators come to talk straight about whats working and whats not, on the shop floor and beyond. Each week, host Lisa Ryan sits down with people who live and breathe this business: operations executives, HR directors, engineers, and founders who are building stronger teams and smarter systems in the face of nonstop change. Listeners gain real-world insights on: Employee retention and workforce engagement Automation, AI, and the future of skilled trades Supply chain and operations leadership Safety, sustainability, and company culture that lasts If youre tired of generic leadership talk and want practical conversations from people who get it, this podcast is for you. New episodes drop every Monday and are short enough for your commute, sharp enough to shape your week. Subscribe and be part of the conversation thats connecting manufacturers across industries, one story at a time. Language: en Genres: Business, Education, Management, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Rethinking Manufacturing Through Additive Innovation with Jason Rolland
Episode 43
Monday, 8 December, 2025
Welcome to The Manufacturers Network Podcast! In this insightful episode, Lisa Ryan sits down with Jason Rolland, Senior Vice President of Materials at Carbon Inc., to explore the rapidly evolving impact of additive manufacturing on how products are designed, produced, and scaled. Jason offers an insider’s view informed by years of expertise in polymer chemistry, entrepreneurship, and industrial material science.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How Additive Manufacturing EvolvedJason Rolland traces how 3D printing moved beyond prototyping, now enabling the production of finished parts with improved speed, precision, and material properties.-Key Innovations Driving Production ViabilityDiscover the breakthroughs in materials science, hardware speed, and software that allow for faster print times, better mechanical properties, and digital-driven production processes.- Breaking Down the Technology Not sure about acronyms like FDM or SLA? Jason explains the main categories of 3D printing in clear, simple language and describes their pros and cons.- Where Additive Manufacturing Makes the Biggest ImpactFrom footwear and sports equipment to medical devices and dental models, Jason shares real-world examples where 3D printing offers a competitive edge—especially for customized parts and foam replacements.- Barriers to Adoption & How to Overcome ThemFind out why manufacturers hesitate to adopt new technologies, and how issues of cost, awareness, and application fit can be addressed.- Evaluating If Additive Manufacturing Is Right for Your Business Get practical advice on the types of products best suited for 3D printing and the factors manufacturers should consider before making the transition.- Sustainability and Flexibility Benefits Learn how additive manufacturing supports supply chain resilience, reshoring, reduction in carbon footprint, and new approaches for cleaning, recycling, and using bio-based materials.- Getting Started Without Overinvesting Jason outlines Carbon’s partnership model, emphasizing collaboration over upfront equipment sales so manufacturers can test applications risk-free.Tangible Takeaways1. Focus on Product Application: Evaluate whether additive manufacturing will improve your product’s performance or unlock new design possibilities—don’t just jump in for the technology’s sake.2. Consider Customization and Complexity: Additive manufacturing thrives in producing complex, customized, or low-volume parts—especially when traditional tooling is cost-prohibitive or slow to adapt.3. Factor in Speed, Cost, and Flexibility: Digital production allows rapid switching between product types, making it ideal for nimble, local, and scalable manufacturing operations.4. Think Sustainability: Local production and material efficiency can lower the carbon footprint. Explore innovations in part cleaning and bio-based resins for further environmental benefits.5. Start with Collaboration: Instead of investing heavily upfront, partner with experienced additive manufacturers like Carbon to test the fit for your specific application.Ready to explore additive manufacturing for your business?** Reach out through Carbon’s website contact form to start a conversation with Jason and his team.---Tune in next time on The Manufacturers Network Podcast for more insights, strategies, and manufacturing success stories!
