Advancements in Monitoring, Beam Shaping, and Cutting-Edge AM Research from The Ohio State University

Imagine printing a car part for the racing industry as your first additive manufacturing (AM) project, earning a process engineer position with Honda Aerospace, and following that up by becoming the AM technology leader at Ohio State University. This is the inspiring story of today’s guest. 

Joining host Fabian Alefeld is Ben DiMarco, AM Technology Leader and Principal Engineer at Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME). In this conversation, they explore Ben’s contributions to lattice structures, process monitoring, and innovative technologies such as nLIGHT and cold metal fusion. They also touch on Ben’s role and passion for workforce development. 

Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at [email protected]. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS. 

Key Takeaways: 

[1:15] In 2009, Ben’s first printed AM part was a brake fluid reservoir used in the racing industry. 

[3:39] Ben describes the key characteristics of lattice structure and its impact on part performance. 

[8:18] For the past few years, Ben’s objective has been to create a semi-empirical model for lattice structures. 

[17:03] Ben’s vision for how his work will impact the AM industry. 

[22:03] An overview of nLIGHT technology and OSU’s beam shaping project. 

[32:14] Examples of current and future uses of artificial intelligence in additive manufacturing. 

[34:47] OSU’s forthcoming study includes the history and future of cold metal fusion. 

[39:21] Ben explains OSU’s CDME workforce development program.