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Additive SnackJoin 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. Author: EOS
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 youre 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 well 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! Language: en Genres: Science, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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From Fashion to Metal AM: Scaling Additive Manufacturing into Production
Episode 29
Tuesday, 24 March, 2026
Host Fabian Alefeld interviews Erin Mastroni, President and founder of I3D Manufacturing (founded 2013), about building one of the largest additive-focused contract manufacturers and the industry’s shift from prototyping to production. Mastroni describes moving from fashion retail and trend forecasting to an MBA in sustainable business, spotting production AM as a key trend, and launching a metal powder bed fusion business in Oregon with limited traditional manufacturing experience. She recounts early funding challenges, using SBA/New Market Tax Credits, and landing Blue Origin as an early customer, which helped establish I3D as a fast-moving development partner known for tackling difficult materials like titanium and new nickel alloys with EOS. I3D grew from 5 people and two machines to two campuses, ~30 machines, and 54 employees, is launching an internal “I3D Academy,” navigated a severe COVID revenue drop without layoffs, and was acquired in 2023 by BTX Precision (L Squared Partners), expanding into turnkey CNC and broader capabilities while discussing PE’s role, production scalability, and emerging AI opportunities.00:00 Podcast welcome01:47 Fashion to additive04:27 Funding and mission06:52 Blue Origin breakthrough08:27 Becoming a dev partner12:19 I3D today scale15:29 Growing talent academy17:05 Growth phases and pandemic20:22 Acquisition and turnkey expansion22:06 Private equity tipping point27:43 Private Equity Momentum28:41 Flow Driven Applications32:54 Supply Chain Use Cases35:12 Scaling Production Know How40:21 One Stop Shop Strategy43:14 Customers Get Smarter47:31 Next Wave Breakthroughs53:03 AI In Additive Manufacturing57:25 Closing Thanks
