Additive Manufacturing & Metal Sealing

 

In this insightful episode of the Technetics podcast, Timothy Douglass sits down with Jonathan Kweder, the Director of R&D for North America at Technetics, to discuss the pioneering strides and challenges the company faces in integrating additive manufacturing (AM) into the production of metal seals. As the aerospace and new space sectors demand faster iteration and customization, Technetics explores the frontiers of 3D printing technology to reduce lead times and enhance product development. Kweder shares his expert perspective on the journey from initial experimentation with desktop machines to the complex realities of producing metal seals with AM, including the technological hurdles, the importance of material selection, and the potential for innovation in design and production.

The conversation navigates through the technical and commercial landscape of additive manufacturing, highlighting both its current limitations in precision and material consistency and its promising advantages for rapid prototyping and creative freedom in engineering. Despite the challenges, Kweder’s insights reveal a future where AM could revolutionize traditional manufacturing processes, offering improved thermal resistance, design flexibility, and potentially transforming the way metal seals are produced and used in critical applications. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the convergence of traditional industrial practices with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, shedding light on the ongoing evolution within Technetics and the broader implications for the aerospace industry.

Recent Episodes

Detroit is no longer just the Motor City. It’s becoming a hub for clean energy innovation. As climate change forces global shifts in infrastructure, the spotlight is turning to advanced, decentralized solutions like microgrids. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that microgrids could help improve resilience and reduce emissions, especially in aging urban power…

Detroit is once again at the center of industrial and technological reinvention. At New Lab, an innovation hub in the heart of the city, entrepreneurs, engineers, and dreamers are collaborating to redefine the future of energy and mobility. Energy innovation is no longer just a competitive advantage, it’s a necessity. The manufacturing industry alone…

With climate change driving more frequent and severe weather events, the strain on our electric grids has never been greater. In 2023 alone, severe storms, heat waves, and winter freezes left millions without power, costing billions in economic damage and putting lives at risk. And in 2022, an average American experienced 16% more grid…