The 3D printing industry is experiencing a dynamic period marked by significant executive appointments and groundbreaking advancements in materials technology. These developments are setting the stage for future growth and innovation, reflecting broader trends within the sector. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating cutting-edge technologies and strategic leadership to remain competitive and innovative in the rapidly evolving market.
Leadership Changes
RadTech’s New Leadership Team
RadTech, a nonprofit trade association dedicated to UV+EB technologies, has announced a series of key appointments that will shape its future direction. Mike Bonner of Saint Clair Systems has taken over as President, succeeding Michael Gould of Rahn USA. Todd Fayne of PepsiCo was elected as President-Elect, scheduled to assume office in January 2027. Other noteworthy board members include representatives from Ford Motor Company, Sartomer – Arkema Group, INX International, Multi-Color Corporation, Miltec, and DuPont. This reorganization reflects RadTech’s continued emphasis on leveraging UV- and EB-cured materials across various applications, from 3D printing to electronics.
These leadership changes underscore RadTech’s commitment to fostering innovation and safety in the use of UV- and EB-cured materials. The new team is expected to drive forward initiatives that will expand the association’s influence and capabilities in the industry. As the industry evolves, RadTech aims to strengthen collaborations with members and stakeholders to enhance the adoption of UV+EB technology in various sectors. The strategic vision and expertise of the newly appointed leaders will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring that RadTech remains a pivotal force in the industry.
Strategic Hires at Xometry
Xometry, a prominent global AI-powered manufacturing services marketplace, has made two significant additions to its executive team. Sanjeev Singh Sahni was appointed to the newly created position of President, bringing extensive experience from Wayfair, where he worked on B2B e-commerce, sales, operations, and AI deployments. Sahni is expected to enhance Xometry’s global growth and operating efficiencies by overseeing operations, technology, and product teams. His wealth of experience in scaling business operations and deploying advanced technologies positions him well to drive Xometry’s strategic initiatives and fortify its market presence.
In parallel, Stephany Verstraete was appointed Chief Marketing Officer. With a strong background in scaling businesses and brand building from her tenure at Expedia Group, Match.com, and PepsiCo, Verstraete is poised to strengthen Xometry’s marketing, communications, and customer experience initiatives. Her expertise in developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies will be instrumental in elevating Xometry’s brand visibility and customer engagement. These strategic hires are indicative of Xometry’s robust strategy towards scaling and improving global operations and customer experience. By bringing in seasoned leaders with proven track records, Xometry aims to accelerate its growth trajectory and solidify its position as a leader in the AI-driven manufacturing marketplace.
Velo3D’s New Chief Revenue Officer
After a stint as Head of Revenue at Loop, Michelle Sidwell rejoined Velo3D as Chief Revenue Officer. Sidwell brings over two decades of technology sales and leadership experience, which will be crucial in driving Velo3D’s new corporate vision, especially as the company navigates financial challenges and seeks to streamline operations. Her role will involve leading the sales, marketing, and customer service teams across various regions, aiming to enhance the company’s go-to-market sales strategy. Sidwell’s deep understanding of revenue generation and market dynamics will be essential in aligning Velo3D’s strategies with its long-term growth objectives.
Sidwell’s return to Velo3D is seen as a strategic move to bolster the company’s revenue generation and market presence. Her expertise in sales and revenue strategy is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving Velo3D’s ambitious growth targets. As Velo3D continues to innovate and expand its footprint in the additive manufacturing market, Sidwell’s leadership will be critical in driving customer acquisition and retention, and in forging strategic partnerships that will further propel the company’s success.
Material Advancements
Sandvik’s Osprey Powders 50-Year Milestone
Sandvik celebrated an impressive achievement, marking 50 years of manufacturing its Osprey metal powders at its UK site in Neath. Specializing in over 2,000 different alloys, Sandvik has solidified its place as a top manufacturer of gas-atomized metal powders, employing proprietary atomizing technology. This milestone highlights Sandvik’s adeptness in servicing high-demand industries and delivering materials essential for advanced manufacturing techniques like AM and MIM. The continued success of the Osprey line reflects Sandvik’s commitment to quality, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.
The Osprey line’s 50-year milestone is a testament to Sandvik’s enduring commitment to innovation and quality in metal powder production. The company’s ability to produce a wide range of alloys has made it a key player in the additive manufacturing and metal injection molding sectors. Sandvik’s proprietary atomizing technology ensures that its metal powders meet the stringent quality standards required for advanced manufacturing applications. This achievement not only celebrates the past success but also sets the stage for future innovations in metal powder technology, positioning Sandvik as a leader in the field.
LEHVOSS Group’s LUVOPRINT Line
The LEHVOSS Group unveiled a new product line, LUVOPRINT, designed specifically for Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF) 3D printing. This line distinguishes itself by using granules instead of filaments or powders, offering high-performance, cost-effective materials for diverse applications, including molding and structural components. Some key offerings in this range include LUVOPRINT eco PC/ABS GF 2848 BK for excellent dimensional stability, LUVOPRINT eco PA6 GF 2849 BK for high impact resistance, and LUVOPRINT PESU GF 50954 NT for high thermal stability and mechanical strength. The innovative approach of using granules significantly enhances the versatility and performance of the materials in various 3D printing applications.
The launch of the LUVOPRINT line underscores the LEHVOSS Group’s commitment to advancing material technology suited for specific manufacturing challenges. By providing high-performance materials tailored for FGF 3D printing, the company is addressing the evolving needs of the industry and offering innovative solutions for complex applications. The introduction of these new materials not only expands the capabilities of 3D printing but also opens up new possibilities for manufacturers to create more robust and efficient components. This strategic move highlights LEHVOSS Group’s dedication to driving innovation and setting new standards in the 3D printing materials market.
Broader Trends in the Industry
Executive Transitions and Strategic Realignments
The recent leadership changes across RadTech, Xometry, and Velo3D highlight a broader trend of strategic realignments within the 3D printing industry. These executive transitions are aimed at infusing fresh perspectives and driving growth, innovation, and market expansion. Companies are increasingly recognizing that staying competitive in the fast-paced 3D printing market requires not only technological advancements but also strategic leadership. By appointing experienced leaders with diverse backgrounds, these companies are positioning themselves to better navigate the complexities of the industry and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Leadership transitions are not merely about filling positions but are integral to setting new directions and achieving strategic goals. The new executives at RadTech, Xometry, and Velo3D bring with them a wealth of experience and a track record of success in their respective fields. Their fresh perspectives are expected to drive innovative strategies that will enhance the companies’ competitive edge and market reach. As the 3D printing landscape continues to evolve, these strategic realignments will play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of the industry, ensuring sustained growth and innovation.
Technological and Material Innovation
Developments in material science reflect the industry’s commitment to high-performance and cost-effective solutions tailored to demanding applications, especially within additive manufacturing. Companies like Sandvik and LEHVOSS Group are at the forefront of this innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printing materials. The advancement of material technologies not only improves the performance and reliability of 3D printed components but also expands the range of applications for additive manufacturing, making it a more viable option for a wider array of industries.
The introduction of new materials like Sandvik’s Osprey metal powders and LEHVOSS Group’s LUVOPRINT line demonstrates a proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of the market. These materials address specific challenges faced by manufacturers, such as achieving high dimensional stability, impact resistance, and thermal stability in their products. By continuously innovating and developing specialized materials, these companies are driving the adoption of 3D printing technologies and enabling more complex and high-performance applications. This trend towards material innovation is essential for the long-term growth and sustainability of the 3D printing industry.
Conclusion
The 3D printing industry is undergoing a period of considerable change, highlighted by noteworthy executive appointments and pioneering advancements in materials technology. These innovations and leadership shifts are poised to drive future growth and spark new waves of innovation within the sector. As the market continues to evolve, companies are placing a greater emphasis on integrating the latest technologies and enlisting strategic leadership to maintain a competitive edge. This focus on cutting-edge developments and strategic management reflects broader industry trends, underscoring the importance of staying ahead in the rapidly transforming marketplace. As businesses navigate this dynamic landscape, the successful adoption and implementation of new technologies will likely determine their ability to innovate and thrive. The 3D printing realm, therefore, is not just about producing complex designs but also about fostering robust leadership and embracing technological advancements that propel the entire industry forward. Such progress indicates a promising future where companies that prioritize innovation and leadership will pave the way for substantial industry-wide growth.