Forget “That’s How We’ve Always Made It” and Teach the Design Freedom of 3D Printing - Shon Anderson, CEO of B9Creations

When used to its full potential, additive manufacturing can revolutionize the way we design and make things. But too often, educators and manufacturers are stuck in old ways of thinking.

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner welcomes Shon Anderson, CEO of B9Creations, to discuss how 3D printing is advancing both industry and education. From manufacturing precise components for medical devices and aerospace to equipping students with in-demand skills, Shon explains how reliable 3D printing technology can transform outcomes in any setting.

Together, Matt and Shon explore the real challenges manufacturers and educators face, including material limitations, workforce gaps, and the pitfalls of outdated thinking. They discuss how educators can move beyond cheap, unreliable 3D printers and teach students the skills needed to thrive in a world where design freedom and innovation are key. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to bring 3D printing into classrooms or manufacturing facilities the right way.

What You’ll Learn:

• The 3 biggest challenges manufacturers face when implementing additive—and how to overcome them.
• The surprising ways 3D printing can reduce lead times, cut costs, and enable design flexibility.
• How to ensure your additive projects are successful, even if you don't have a technical expert on staff.
• The role of education in preparing students for careers in additive, including the essential design and software skills they’ll need.
• What is the make-or-break factor for 3D printing implementation?

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Additive manufacturing thrives on design freedom but requires a shift in thinking.
   Many engineers approach 3D printing with traditional manufacturing mindsets (we've always made it this way). That limits the immense creative freedom additive allows. By leveraging additive’s ability to produce complex geometries and customized solutions, individuals can solve challenges that are impossible with conventional methods.
2. Education must prioritize design skills when teaching additive manufacturing.
   It's time for education to move beyond tasking students with downloading a file and running a print. Employers want to know that students understand the fundamentals of design for additive, material properties, and cost analysis.
3. Organizational culture is the key to successful adoption of 3D printing technology.
   Companies that embrace change, communicate across departments, and align goals with additive capabilities see greater success. Without this, even the best technology can fail to deliver value due to resistance or lack of integration.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about B9Creations technology, visit: www.b9c.com

Connect with B9Creations Online:

LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Connect with Shon Anderson on LinkedIn

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