The Additive Advantage Podcast

EP 11: From Islands to Outcomes: Making Additive Work at Scale

In this episode of The Additive Advantage Podcast, Shon Anderson sits down with Andre Wegner, CEO of Authentise, for a wide-ranging conversation on workflow orchestration, contextual data, AI, and the future of scalable additive manufacturing. Andre shares how Authentise evolved from focusing on IP protection and distributed manufacturing into building systems designed to connect the entire additive workflow — eliminating the “island approach” that continues to limit scalability across the industry. Together, Shon and Andre explore why disconnected machines, software, and data systems create unnecessary friction and why the future of manufacturing depends on continuity across design, engineering, production, and quality. The conversation dives into agile factories, reverse engineering at scale, automation in aerospace and defense, and the growing importance of capturing the “why” behind engineering decisions. Andre also explains why context will become critical for AI-enabled manufacturing systems and why manufacturers need strategic partners instead of simply searching for the next machine. Along the way, the two discuss lessons learned from building companies in additive manufacturing, why curiosity may become one of the most important workforce skills of the future, and how manufacturers can begin thinking differently about additive as a strategic capability rather than a standalone tool. If you’re interested in where additive manufacturing, automation, AI, and digital workflows are heading next, this episode delivers an honest and forward-looking conversation from two leaders deeply involved in building that future. About the Show The Additive Advantage Podcast [https://additiveadvantagepodcast.com/] explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype. Follow & Subscribe Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights. Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-additive-advantage-podcast/id1868835205] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4isrlYkytygWM4Zq86RgoQ] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AdditiveAdvantage] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/additive-advantage] About the Hosts Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

EP 10: Stop Buying 3D Printers. Start Building Systems.

In Episode 10 of The Additive Advantage Podcast, Shon Anderson and Dani Mason take on one of the biggest barriers in additive manufacturing: why so many companies struggle to move from prototyping into real production. This solo episode breaks down a hard truth—additive doesn’t scale because of better 3D printers. It scales when companies build systems that deliver consistent, repeatable outcomes. There’s no shortage of innovation in this industry. But too often, organizations prove that a part can be printed without proving it can be produced reliably, cost-effectively, and at scale. Shon and Dani walk through what’s actually required to make additive work in production, including: *  Why feasibility is not the same as commercial viability  *  The role of QA/QC in building repeatable processes  *  How variability shows up across machines, materials, and workflows  *  Why supply chain, workforce, and process control matter just as much as the technology itself  *  What companies get wrong when they treat additive like a tool instead of a system  They also share real-world examples from working with manufacturers—highlighting where things break down and how to fix them. If you’re serious about scaling additive manufacturing, this episode will help you rethink your approach—from focusing on printers to building production-ready systems. Watch the full episode to learn how to move from possibility to repeatability—and from prints to production. About the Show The Additive Advantage Podcast [https://additiveadvantagepodcast.com/] explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype. Follow & Subscribe Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights. Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-additive-advantage-podcast/id1868835205] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4isrlYkytygWM4Zq86RgoQ] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AdditiveAdvantage] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/additive-advantage] About the Hosts Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

EP 09: $2 Billion Later… Why Additive Still Isn’t Delivering

In this episode of The Additive Advantage Podcast, we sit down with Tuan TranPham to unpack a hard truth about the additive manufacturing industry: despite billions of dollars in investment, the technology still hasn’t delivered at the scale many expected. From the early days of hype and venture funding to today’s push for real production applications, Tuan shares his perspective on what’s been missing. He challenges the industry’s focus on hardware and explains why success in additive manufacturing has less to do with machines—and more to do with cost per part, process integration, and delivering what customers actually need. This conversation dives into the realities of scaling additive, the disconnect between innovation and adoption, and why technologies like binder jetting gained traction by leveraging existing supply chains. It also explores what needs to change for additive manufacturing to move beyond prototyping and into true production. If you’re working in additive, manufacturing, or product development, this episode offers a candid look at where the industry stands today—and what it will take to move forward. Watch the full episode to hear Tuan’s insights on cost, materials, scaling production, and the future of additive manufacturing. About the Show The Additive Advantage Podcast [https://additiveadvantagepodcast.com/] explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype. Follow & Subscribe Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights. Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-additive-advantage-podcast/id1868835205] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4isrlYkytygWM4Zq86RgoQ] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AdditiveAdvantage] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/additive-advantage] About the Hosts Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

EP 08: The Handshake Between Additive & Injection Molding

What if the biggest problem in plastics manufacturing isn’t technology—but the gap between them? In Episode 8 of The Additive Advantage Podcast, we sit down with the team at Polymer Dynamics to unpack one of the most persistent challenges in product development: bridging the divide between additive manufacturing and injection molding. For years, engineers have been forced into tradeoffs. Additive offers speed and flexibility, but not always production-grade performance. Injection molding delivers quality and scale—but requires significant upfront investment, time, and tooling. That disconnect slows innovation and limits how quickly companies can move from idea to production. Polymer Dynamics is working to change that. In this conversation, we explore what it really means to “democratize manufacturing,” how companies can close the gap between prototype and production, and why the future of manufacturing may not be about choosing one technology—but integrating the right ones. We also dive into: * How internal manufacturing capability changes the way teams design and innovate * What happens when engineers gain control over production * The evolving manufacturing toolkit—and how to choose the right process * The role of microfactories and distributed manufacturing * Why speed, cost, and innovation are more connected than most companies realize This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about how to scale additive manufacturing, improve product development workflows, or build more resilient manufacturing strategies. Listen to Episode 8 to learn how the “handshake” between additive manufacturing and injection molding is shaping the future of production. About the Show The Additive Advantage Podcast [https://additiveadvantagepodcast.com/] explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype. Follow & Subscribe Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights. Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-additive-advantage-podcast/id1868835205] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4isrlYkytygWM4Zq86RgoQ] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AdditiveAdvantage] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/additive-advantage] About the Hosts Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

EP 07: When Additive Gets Boring, It Wins

In Episode 7 of The Additive Advantage, we’re joined by Stefan Joens, President of Elnik Systems and DSH Technologies, companies at the center of metal injection molding and sinter-based additive manufacturing. Stefan shares how decades of experience in traditional manufacturing helped his team approach additive manufacturing with a different mindset—one grounded in proven manufacturing principles rather than hype. From debinding and sintering to workforce development and production economics, the conversation explores what it really takes to scale metal additive manufacturing. We discuss why additive should be viewed as just another forming technology in the broader manufacturing toolkit, how education across the entire production chain is critical for success, and why the companies that succeed in advanced manufacturing will be the ones that prioritize people, culture, and collaboration alongside technology. Stefan also shares leadership lessons from relocating his company, building a values-driven team, and why successful entrepreneurs must focus less on having the answers and more on building teams capable of solving problems together. Ultimately, the future of additive manufacturing won’t be defined by machines alone. It will depend on manufacturing discipline, strong leadership, and a clear understanding of where additive truly creates value. Key Takeaways Additive is a tool—not a replacement for manufacturing. Successful companies start by asking what is the best way to make this part, then choose the right technology. Manufacturing fundamentals still apply. Materials control, process validation, quality inspection, and workflow discipline remain critical when scaling additive. Education across the production chain matters. Understanding materials, debinding, sintering, and downstream processes is essential for repeatable production. Technology adoption requires the right mindset. Early hype around additive created unrealistic expectations. Long-term success comes from integrating it into existing manufacturing systems. People and culture drive innovation. Strong teams, clear core values, and collaborative problem solving are essential to building resilient manufacturing organizations. Entrepreneurship requires resilience. Founders and leaders must focus less on having all the answers and more on building teams capable of figuring things out. About the Show The Additive Advantage Podcast [https://additiveadvantagepodcast.com/] explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype. Follow & Subscribe Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights. Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-additive-advantage-podcast/id1868835205] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4isrlYkytygWM4Zq86RgoQ] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AdditiveAdvantage] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/additive-advantage] About the Hosts Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.