In the second EcoInsiders episode that we circulated in December 2023, we spoke with David Hartmann, CEO and Founder of Helio Additive, a cutting-edge 3D printing software company, at the forefront of innovation in manufacturing. David and his team are pioneers in additive manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with 3D printing technology. In this conversation, we dive into the transformative power of 3D printing, how it impacts sustainability, and the concept of decentralized manufacturing. We explored David's journey and the role of Helio Additive in scaling additive manufacturing processes and the future of sustainable manufacturing technologies.
Key Discussion Points:
How scalable additive manufacturing can trigger a sustainable "flywheel effect"
The industrial impact of Helio Additive's software on price and performance
The future of decentralized manufacturing and community resilience
Timestamped Outline:
[01:37] – David's corporate background and experience at Covestro, at the heart of manufacturing and supply chains in Asia.
[06:08] – David's jump from a corporate career to becoming a deep-tech startup founder.
[09:52] – Discussing sustainability and the impact of scalable additive manufacturing through Helio Additive.
[13:46] – Introduction of Helio Additive's game-changing software in the additive manufacturing industry.
[18:56] – Sustainability as an intrinsic part of the value proposition.
[23:43] – The journey and challenges of founding and developing a deep-tech startup.
[28:51] – KPIs: balancing actual performance with fundamental principles
[31:53] – Case study on the digitization of trial-and-error processes in large-scale additive manufacturing.
[38:29] – Future perspectives on the role of additive manufacturing to deliver community and infrastructure resilience.
[43:06] – Recommended reading
Referenced Reading:
The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge:
The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Taleb
The effect of additive manufacturing on global energy demand by TU Delft
